My generation seems especially sensitive to money matters. Many of my peers went off to college expecting to make a good living.
Promises of affluence for studying hard and staying on the education train have fueled a lot of false hopes for twenty and thirty-somethings.
Unfortunately, many young adults are struggling to find a decent job in their field while getting their family off the ground financially. Current economic stresses have made this more problematic.
If you have a job, be thankful. Men and women are scrambling to find work all over America. Recent reports say that unemployment continues to climb in many areas of the country.
This unrest has fueled fears among the working. Some think, “Maybe my job will be cut next. The future is uncertain. What would I do if I lost my job and my health coverage?”
These fears have reprogrammed a lot of families in their charitable giving. Because of fear, many churches and charities are being forced to cut important programs and ministries. This is so unfortunate, especially during the holidays.
Regardless of these issues, the Bible is clear that Christ-followers have a responsibility to be generous with the resources that they have.
The Bible tells us plainly that God blesses us with resources so that we can “have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). If many families took a hard look at how their money is spent they would discover that a lot of dollars are spent on things that are not necessary.
Because we are often selfish in our financial matters, we fail to give through our church or to other worthy causes in the community.
Fear about the future can be a selfish motive that robs us of healthy, generous stewardship.
I urge you to prayerfully seek out ways to invest in good causes during the holidays. Don’t let fear rob you of the privilege of investing in the lives of those in need.
I have an important request to make of the members of churches in our area. Please do not allow your fears to reduce or stop your giving through your local church. Your church needs your support now more than ever.
Anyway, the Bible is clear that your offerings to God are to come from the “first fruits,” not from what is left over.
Hasn’t God been there for you? Didn’t God provide a job for you in the first place? Well, give God priority when you sit down to distribute your finances each month.
I am grateful to be surrounded by generous people. My church family has been faithful, even in difficulty, to give to those in need. We have touched our community and the globe with food, clothing, and a message of hope.
I have seen the reality of what the wise man Solomon taught, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). Time and time again I have witnessed the powerful blessing of what Jesus expressed, “Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
I am not promising you a new Lexus or a mansion, but I do believe that generosity brings blessing. The Bible teaches it. I have seen it. You can experience it.
During these difficult days, don’t let fear rob you of the opportunity to express your generosity.
I have never heard a person on his deathbed regret what he did not receive. I have heard a few people regret what they did not give.
— Chris Crain, Pastor, North Valley Church, Margaret and South Roebuck Baptist Church, Birmingham
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