Application: Finances

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6 : 2 - 4

In my family there are a few things you just don't bring up for fear of insulting people and a fight in-suing.   Politics is one, money is another. Money is becoming a taboo subject in our culture.  We are becoming hush hush about how much money we make and where we spend it. And we also get nervous when people start asking for some of it.  But I think that most of us would agree that this passage, and others, call us to give.

Whether you want to admit it or not, money makes a difference.  The best intentions are most successful when they are backed by money. Medicine costs money to produce and ship.  Clothes and food aren't given away for free.  Money is required to give these things to those in need.

As an engineer, your earning potential gives you power; power to change the world.  Your salary could very easily be $60,000, if not more.  Think about the potential to give.  Committing to giving 10% adds up quickly, as does your potential to change the world.  What could we do if our fellowship committed to giving 10% for 5 years after graduation?  What's a small percentage for each person turns into a huge fund for us to be generous. What could we do?  Could we eliminate a curable disease, cloth a city, end child prostitution?

It's easy to dream when you are not expected to give immediately.  But what's stopping you from giving now. What stopped me for a long time was the idea that 10% of $0 is $0.  But we are not called to give when it is easy, we are called to give when it hurts; til it hurts.  Being generous with money helps us to recognize how dependent we are on a God that loves us.  Being students, most of us are in the situation of only spending money, with nothing coming back in.  I know that it is a stressful place to be in, but we can not continue living with the promise of giving tomorrow.  If you can't be generous with little, you will not be generous with much.

So I challenge you to give 10% of what you spend.  I know most of you don't think you spend a lot, and you probably don't.  But go without the Starbucks for a day, and later, when you're tired and could use some caffeine, you can remember the $4 you are saving to give to the needy. The movie, candy bar, or coffee won't bring you the satisfaction you will receive from giving.

So, in the comments, answer these questions.

How are you going to give this semester and what does that look like in your life?  Which group is getting your money?  Will you sponsor a child, give to your church, or support InterVarsity?  Are you willing to give some of what you spend; some of what you make?

What does giving look like for our fellowship?  What can we do with our earning potential?  No dream is too high.

Ryan shared that it is much easier to act your way into a feeling, than to feel your way into action.  As Gods people, if we choose to step into action, we can change the world.  Are you stepping into action?