Giving
Social Justice: Craze or Creed?
Having a social justice platform is downright ubiquitous these days. Blogs, talks and conferences on the array of justice topics abound in religious and secular circles alike.
But is it just a craze that will follow Silly Bandz and Beanie Babies into oblivion?
I certainly hope not.
After spending the last few months studying the book of James, and attending the Justice Conference in February, I have a fairly strong opinion on this topic. Read More
Cardboard, Books and Fine China: Hoarding and Blessing
This month marks four years since we moved into our home after relocating from 
Boulder. Yet my garage is still outlined with many of the same boxes that were deposited there on moving day.
Every few months, I muster my efforts and resolve anew to unpack the belongings they contain. I ‘assess the situation’ and ‘plan my attack’ but ultimately make progress no more significant than swapping one box’s position along the periphery for another. Many of our books are entombed in cardboard, as are the china place settings from our wedding all those years ago.
My Bible study this week zeroed in on the idea of wealth. And, more importantly, the handling of it.
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
— James 5:3 NIV
Giving…With Just Cause
Should we base our tithe on our pre-tax or post-tax income? This debate occurs somewhat frequently in circles when the topic of tithing arises. I’ve asked the question, too.
Frankly, I’ve decided it’s beside the point. I find it to be a flimsy veil behind which hands are clenched tightly around dollars and ‘stuff.’ What, then, will liberate treasure from our grubby little mitts?
Commitment and Sacrifice
With commitment comes a loss of freedom. Committing to give in the form of dollars or hours implicitly requires denial of self in another area, if for no other reason than we lack infinite resources.
Sacrifice, by definition, isn’t sacrifice unless it costs something. When we give to a charitable organization, including churches, we commonly deduct it on our Federal taxes, rendering our sacrifice less costly to us. Read More