Last weekend I rented a movie for myself called Friends with Money. It definitely wasn't a favorite of mine but there was a point that was well taken and a thought that I have been carrying around with me for the past few days.
In the movie the rich folk were holding/attending a benefit dinner and auction to raise money for a cause. The fact was that people spent thousands of dollars on the function/meal with a cut of the proceeds going to the cause. The question raised was, "why don't people just give their money directly to the cause?" and the simple answer, "because that's not they way it's done." - (in my own words).
The truth of it stings. Why don't we just give out of compassion and love? Why do we have to receive something in return for our giving? If we don't just give for the sake of giving, are we really giving or are we 'purchasing' in typical consumer fashion?
The same principle can even be applied to giving in the church (aside from any charity). A good, faithful church goer knows that it is necessary (and biblical) to give in order to support their church and keep the ministry functioning. But what if there was no charitable receipt at the end the year? What if there was no tax break? Would we give strictly out of love and obedience?
So many causes. So much suffering in the world. Are we willing to give solely out of love?
This is what I am stewing on and I am leading to something. Something very worthwhile.
More to follow...
wait for it.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
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3 comments:
Wow! Somthing definitly to chew on. You make a very good point, and I have never really thought of it in this way. I will be back with more thoughts when I figured it all out in my brain:)
Mike Todd posts a related thought and offers an alternative.
I completely agree. This has bothered me for a long time, especially when I was into organizing events for various charities. It bothers me that people always need another motive to give. Why do people need a prize if they give the most, or raise the most food bank items? They seem to be forgetting the actual cause.
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