Giving Quietly

(see the need... fix the need)

Giving Quietly

This week I've had the privilege of hanging around well over a thousand people dedicated to non-profit development.  That means fund raising of course, but also so much more. Lifting communities effectively takes hard work, vision, collaboration and a desire to serve others ahead of self.  The ones who get that right do amazing things.  Finding donors who value helping those in need over recognition is icing on the cake.

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." - Matthew 6:3

Jesus gave his followers an extreme example in this passage but it’s one that makes the point abundantly clear.  Our own generosity should be driven by a heartfelt assessment of need and not by vain ambition.  Tax deductibility and name recognition ought to be far down the list.  

I well remember the story of a philanthropist who made a multi-million dollar gift to a YMCA camp and used the naming rights to honor his favorite verse from the book of Malachi.  I remember also an anonymous person who gave a giant box of diapers to every expectant parent in the same organization.  

Perhaps each of us can find ways to model this kind of generosity in our own lives.  The out-of-work family you know could surely benefit by receiving a cash-laden card from an unknown person.  Perhaps a young parent in your office would be grateful to find a quantity of consumable baby items in their cubicle.  

The need is out there…just look for it!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 39

Leaving Something

(we don't really glean much anymore... but the lesson is still valid)

Leaving Something

This past weekend our church hosted a “Gospel at Work” event.  There were more than 800 men and women from over 100 churches in attendance.  We were blessed to hear from a wonderful group of pastors and business leaders from Raleigh and around the country that challenged us to live a Gospel centered life at work.  It really brought this passage from the Old Testament into a different focus:

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:9-10

What’s the point of this in a modern world? Most of us don’t own a field or a vineyard these days.  But you may own a business or be in a position of influence in your organization. By refusing to squeeze every last nickel out of a business as your salary you can have the funds to take better care of your team. By lowering prices to all you can reach a broader audience with your ministry. By keeping the corporate autos for a few more years you can give generously to groups that are helping the least fortunate in your community.  The list goes on and on.

Try to find a way to leave something for a higher and better use!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 34