WHEN I THINK ABOUT GIVING
By Don Knox, APC Elder and Campus Crusade for Christ Regional Director
Raising money? That's your job!? My answer is not only yes, a good part of my job but that I love it as well.
Most people don't understand fund raising and wouldn't want to do it, let alone enjoy it. But God has done a work in my life and has developed some convictions in me that drive me. Those convictions also make me pleased to head up our Building with Living Stones capital campaign.
We've heard a lot about the benefits of our new building-- the way it will help us live out our vision, the ministry we can accomplish, the lives that will be changed, and the outreach we can do, but what about the benefits to each of us, as we give financially to build this building?
When I think of giving, I'm not really thinking about the money, but rather two significant benefits; benefits to the giver and to the kingdom of God.
Benefits to the Giver:
Jesus spoke about money and possession more than heaven, hell, and love combined. I believe that it is because, as Henri Nouwen said, money imitates or even can replace God. We sometimes think money can provide for us, give us security, and determine our self-worth. But only God does those things. Money, or the love of money, can get around our heart and callous us to the things of God. But as we have control over our money versus it having control over us, we grow in our relationship and reliance on the Lord.
As we learn to give and be generous, it really increases our intimacy with the Lord. I've seen it in my own life and in the lives of families I minister to. Honestly, I am naturally stingy and can get grumpy about spending money, but as I've learned about giving and stewardship, God has been changing my life from the inside out.
Jesus also said, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:21) Wherever we put our money, our heart follows after it, whether it's your car, your kids, or your God. Giving to the work of the Lord is a way to ensure that your life and heart will be in the right place.
There is also incredible joy in giving. We all have experienced the joy around the Christmas tree, not of opening a gift but of seeing others open your gift. There is something about giving that gets our focus off ourselves and on others.
Benefits to the Kingdom:
For whatever reason, God has chosen to use us to build His kingdom. Yes the rocks and stones could cry out, but He has entrusted that responsibility (and many others) to us. Financial giving can help accelerate this process.
In almost any endeavor, it takes resources to make it happen; money and people. As we invest our money in the work of God, ministry will happen, people's lives will be changed, and we will be a better outpost of the gospel in the community. Warren has taught well on the significance of what this tool (our building) will accomplish. Our giving will make this a reality. Our giving will change lives. Our giving will grow God's kingdom. What a privilege to be a part of that!
Finally:
I think of one overarching perspective. And that is that we are giving to God, not the building. Certainly Ambassador will get the funds and a building will be constructed, but giving is an act of worship to our Lord and Savior. It's a response to God for who He is and all he has done.