When Is Giving Giving?

It is the air we breathe. Consumerism. Our culture, our livelihood,
our base mode of function is consumerism – that is the understanding that life
is about the acquisition of things. It is measured by such questions as, “What’s
in it for me?” “What am I getting out of this?” “What’s the return on my
investment?” It is a purchase mentality. We purchase goods, services and even
feelings. It is how we function. and it works. For the most part. Except when
we get a little greedy or selfish.

I would suggest that it even permeates our giving to the
point that we rarely, truly, “give.” Most of what we describe as giving in the
church, is really purchasing. We give our offerings to the faith community and
we expect something in return: the building maintained, the staff paid and
therefore available to do what needs to be done. We expect there to be worship,
programming for our children, youth, seniors. We give to special ministries and
we usually expect something in return – a round of golf and a great time with
friends, a spaghetti dinner, a piece of artwork. And of course, we give
expecting a receipt in return that allows us the benefit of paying less taxes.
At the minimum, we give at church expecting “a good feeling” or to be “blessed”
in some way.  And we have to admit we are
a little put off if we give and do not at least receive a thank you. We are
purchasing goods, experiences, feelings.

Now, there is nothing wrong with this system in the church
and is, as a matter of fact, necessary. Please don’t hear me say we should not
do this! God even tells us there are blessings for those who give. But I just
want us to consider that this kind of “transaction” giving is different from “sacrificial”
giving. Have you ever tried to give a gift to someone and they turn it into a
purchase? They reciprocate with a gift to you, or keep trying to “pay you back”
in some way when you really did just want to give and not receive?

It is a rare thing when I have someone come up to me with a
check and just say, “Use it where it is needed.” And even more rare that a gift
comes anonymously, “to the glory of God’s Kingdom” – with no opportunity to
give something in return.

If you were to give with nothing received in return, would
you still give? Would you still give of what God has given you – your time,
your talents, your possessions – even if you weren’t blessed? Have you ever had
the experience of giving just because God calls you to give? With no apparent
return?

I want to challenge you to practice some sacrificial giving.
Just give. Don’t be looking for the pay back. Don’t wait for the blessing. Just
give by giving up something and then forget it. Maybe it is time, maybe your talents,
maybe some money. Just give.

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