The Giving Season

Giving

The subject of giving has always been a ‘hot’ topic as far as the church is concerned. There are countless arguments about basic giving, such as tithing, is it scriptural or even relevant today? For many Christians, tithing is everything. To others it is nothing – not even worth considering as they begrudgingly put their pound coin into the offering every week. Those who tithe swear by it whilst those who don’t often swear about it. And that is before the subject of ‘offerings’ is even raised.

There are churches where giving is a weekly haranguing affair from the pulpit. There is even training available to pastors and ministers on how to get the most out of their congregations. Many churches have bitten off far more than they can handle and crashed owing the banks millions. Others seem to attract money like a financial magnet.

All in the name of giving.

Where does all this money go? Not all, apparently goes where the givers assume or even think it is going. Why not? After all, the need is there, isn’t it? At this time of year, when we all claim it is the season of good will to all men, why is there still so much need on our own doorstep. I am not talking about the missions that do wonderful jobs in foreign fields. I am talking about right outside our own front doors. My local council claims there is ‘zero’ homelessness in our town. I suspect they haven’t been out to look lately. We know of a few who are sleeping rough – 24/7 supermarkets car parks are favourites because they offer facilities not readily available if you are sleeping rough.

So where are the churches efforts for the homeless, the lonely, the poor and disadvantaged? Apparently, one of our local churches offered Christmas lunches at £12.00/$18.00 per head this year. Very commendable I’m sure, but for those who cannot afford very much, such a cost is a luxury very few of them can afford. Many old fashioned ‘Soup Kitchens’ still exist in many larger towns and cities, but out here in the sticks, in the smaller towns and villages where there are still quite a few homeless or disadvantaged folk, such a thing is nothing more than a dream. Yet it wouldn’t cost that much because most supermarkets would be happy to donate food towards it.

Giving doesn’t have to be all about money. Many folk give of their time and of themselves to help those less fortunate. This is an option often overlooked in the rush to get hold of our money. I have spoken to many who have gladly given of their Christmas time to help and feed those in need here in our own towns. They say the joy and peace it brings them is immense – not to mention the pleasure it brings to those they seek to serve.

It’s never too late to do something. So - Just do it – and don’t wait for next Christmas either.