At Home – by Rudy Gray

Giving our money to support God’s work in our churches and around the world ought to be a common family value that is not only taught but “caught” in Christian homes. However, we live in a materialistic culture where greed and selfishness are large obstacles for many.

Rudy Gray

Maybe you heard about the little boy who was given two dollars by his mom. One was to give in church and the other was for ice cream after church. The little guy lost one of his dollars before he got to church. When the offering plate was passed, he put nothing in, but whispered, “Sorry, God, I lost your dollar!”

Either tithing or “grace giving” ought to be a family value that is practiced in our homes. Sometimes someone will make the argument that since we live in the time of grace, the idea of tithing is legalistic and outdated.

I can agree with that. We ought to give more than a tithe. Jesus taught that principle in the Sermon on the Mount. Tithing is a good place to begin. Tithing is the least we should give.

However, when so-called “grace givers” argue against the tithe, they typically practice giving much less than 10 percent, not more.

Giving at least 10 percent should be a family value for Christians. God does love cheerful givers. It also helps a family keep a good perspective on spiritual realities. Kids should learn at an early age that this is a fundamental value and basic practice that Christians do. They should see Mom and Dad doing it.

There is no better place to give than the local church. Telemarketers and professional fundraisers consume much of what is raised for their own operational costs.

In 2003, New York’s attorney general put together a report on charitable giving in that state. A total of $187.4 million had been raised for charitable organizations, but only 33.7 percent actually went to the charities. In that report, 18 charities actually lost money in their fundraising campaigns. That reminds me of the preacher who received a love offering after he had preached. He was handed a note that said, “You owe us $14.75!”

We can sell, trade, borrow, entertain, and do a host of other fundraising activities in the church. But the church is not a fundraising organization. We are taught to give. When God’s work is supported in God’s way, it will not be without God’s blessings.

Giving because we love God and want to worship Him is the key. It is a value that we can model for our children as we practice faithfulness with what God has allowed us to manage.

If we really believe that Jesus was telling us the truth when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” then we should practice that truth.