Giving
This past quarter for Sabbath School, the theme was Managing for the Master. Our Sabbath School class had some interesting discussions around this topic of offerings and tithe giving. Some raised questions about the conflict of interest for the church, by asking its members to give to itself, the church. Others raised questions about the fiduciary responsibility of the church. This quarter's lessons got me thinking about how in my situation, I am pulled from all directions to give.
As a father, I am responsible for my children in all ways and certainly financially. With their needs getting more expensive like cars and college expenses. I am struck by how much more it takes to get a positive response from a gift for an older child, than say a little child. I remember when my children were younger, they sometimes enjoyed playing with the box that the gift came in, more than the gift itself. This past Christmas, I have to admit noticing my children not being so impressed with the simpler and cheaper of their Christmas gifts.
I also have a burden to provide for my parents and their financial needs. They do depend on their children to provide for them. Other family, friends, charitable organizations expect generosity from donors. I was asked recently to donate to a church building project, and I do not even attend that church. It seems that at times I feel the pull from above, below, and all around me. I have to admit sometimes, my wife and I feel drained from this pull from all directions.
I am reminded of a saying in Korean when one feels this way. The saying goes, “it is like one is sucking the blood out of you.” Yet, as we went through this quarter’s lessons it seems that I was missing the point. When I selfishly wondered, where is my blessing? I was struck with the fact that I am indeed, blessed. I realized that God has put me in a position to give. In fact, in my life, I have experienced that the more we give, the more God has blessed us financially. I think, perhaps, God wants to see how creative we can be with our giving as He blesses us more and more. I am convinced that God gives to us so we can give more to others. It is not for own selfish reward. It is in this mode of thought that God wants to act. In 2 Cor. 9:7 it says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
One point that was raised in our class discussion was how sometimes, giving does not change the lives of the recipient. How many a times when a stranger asked for help, have I wondered if they will spend it on things like drugs or alcohol or the like. We all would like to see the things that we give, make an impact in the life of the recipient. I am sure parents have all witnessed lessons of giving to their children and instead of gratefulness, we see more selfishness and entitlement. However, one of the lessons I took this quarter was that in my giving, I affect more a change in me than perhaps anyone else. In other words, giving is not to change others but it is something that changes me. Selfishness leads to sin. Cheerful giving leads to less selfishness. As a father, it is my hope that my children see these things and learn to be generous themselves as they grow and obtain greater financial means.
2 Cor. 8:7: But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am reminded of the greatest gift that we have received, which is the Love of God revealed in His son. His love that gave of all of Himself that we may have eternal life. John 3:16 “… God so loved the world, that he gave…”
I think giving helps us to remember that we are not to seek treasures here on this earth. Ultimately, we are admonished to remember to seek the heavenly treasures.
1Tim. 6:17-19: As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.