Christian Wealth: Make it Personal

Every year on the Friday before Easter, the church I attend has an evening event called Project G.O.O.D.  It serves for several purposes, with the more promoted reason being that all church members and partners can come together and assist the ministry in satisfying the debts of its creditors.  The biblical foundation of this event is pulled from two main places in biblical scripture (although arguments supporting it can be found throughout the Bible): Luke 6:38 and 1 Chronicles 29.  If you're familiar with Luke 6, you can understand why this scripture is the more popular one that tags the event....as most people what something in return when they give anything.  But the story in 1 Chronicles 29 explains the intended motive of the art of giving; as the Israelites, led by King David, gave deliberately and generously for the honor of God, for the benefit of the entire nation, and not for themselves (at least to where it was so obvious that it could be recorded).  The eternal principle of God proved faithful as after that event the young country experienced exponential growth in finance, resources, and production that positively impacted most of the population.  Things tangibly got better.  Now, the thought that's usually pushed in situations like relies heavily on the spiritual component...which is crudely captured now by the statement "won't He do it."  But I believe it's something more practical than the opening of the windows of Heaven.  And I think it involves personal responsibility for others.

I'm not gonna disclose the numbers that Project G.O.O.D. (G.O.O.D. meaning Get Out Of Debt) bring in, but here's what I will say....at least 5 members, who just moments ago gave with all their heart and soul, will see that number and ask, "where's all the money going?"  And the assumption game is on from there; usually starting with what the pastor drives.  Actually though, that question is completely legitimate.  I think it's only right that all non-profit organizations disclose the dollar amount of the donations they received and how those resources are allocated...and I think the federal government should force this information to be easily available.  It's only right that a person knows what is being done with their hard-earned money that they give away.  However, the disclosure shouldn't stop there in terms of Christian giving.  This question should be a personal one also.

Her-menuetics.com contributor Liuan Huska wrote "it’s so much harder now to follow Jesus in his call to downward mobility—to love and identify with the lowliest among us, to give sacrificially and not just out of the leftovers—now that I am upwardly mobile."  Her entire article was her revelation that in her wealth, she had become much more stingy and selfish than she was when she was broke.  I couldn't help but reflect on this as I saw the plethora of luxury and high end cars in the parking lot yesterday.  "I wonder if they tithe or give offerings?"  "Do they have a favorite charity?"  "Are they sending money to missionaries?"  "Is this the only result of Christian wealth?"  People lost their marbles when they heard that Creflo Dollar, pastor of World Changers Ministries "solicited" for a luxury jet...and got it.  No one, however, asked what he really used the jet for; they just assumed it was for personal use.  But, isn't that the reason you got that Mercedes Benz...just for personal use?  Are you picking up homeless people to take them to get something to eat in your 745LI?  Is Christian wealth only designed for the Christian that "made" the wealth in the first place, or is there more to it?  Even further, does the accumulation of wealth directly lead to the hoarding of it?

Going back to the 1 Chronicles 29 reference, it's safe to say the extra cash didn't just fall out of the sky.  Records and scriptures show that there was a commitment by the people to ensure the welfare of the people.  Businesses opened, people got hired, people worked, and people gave.  After all, that's what a thriving society is....a population where goods, services, and philanthropy are in abundance.  And again, this type of activity includes everyone.  It's actually irresponsible to direct the blame of lack...in whatever area of industry or community...to the Church or a church organization. Additionally, it's of poor practice to limit giving to tithes and offerings (1 John 3:17).  In doing this, a person is selfishly capping his or her generosity and service; an infinite ability that God equipped all Believers with.

Far too much, Christians of all denominations and levels of dedication rely on church administration to implement the development and use of financial resources while tightly holding on to their own.  But it's not an issue that should be shifted to the administrative unit.  It should be assumed in the hearts of each person.   It should be personal.  It's a decision to be the change agent that so many in the world pray for.  It's a dedication to include all necessities of life with ministry of the Gospel.  It even puts earning money in the proper perspective...knowing that the money isn't all for personal consumption, but should be distributed to those in need.

To that end, I don't believe a person is justified to ask where their tithe or offering money is going when their personal finances only reflect self-centered purchases.  I mean, a person can ask or comment on whatever, but wouldn't that be somewhat hypocritical? Can one criticize a ministries' need for any item when their home is filled with useless and wasted materials?  At the least, the church organization provides a platform for an individual to hear a message of eternal inspiration.  The key word there is eternal, so if your giving is scarce and in a reluctant spirit, what service are you to the Kingdom and those who want to be included?

A personal challenge should be important in a Believers' financial relationship with God.  Saying that (financial relationship with God) probably steered some of you down an uncomfortable thought.  But the reality is that you have  financial relationship with a variety of people you determine important.  So, if you can quantify your dedication to your spouse with gifts, paid memberships, etc., and you can't do the same to the alleged Lord of your life....I digress.

Practice sacrificial giving.  Practice planned giving.  Practice Spirit-led giving.  Practice growth giving.  Practice the understanding of as you need God, someone may need the God in you.  Stop limiting the distribution of blessings with kind words and scriptural-based affirmations.  Position yourself where your deeds supersede the impact of your words.  Make the financial promises of a Kingdom citizen a reality for others.  Freely you have received, freely give....