How to Give like a Wise Man
Seven Key Guidelines to Giving Wisely
Millions of dollars are wasted this time of year. Generous Christians tend to make gifts in December without thinking carefully. Because you want to be a good steward of God’s resources AND you want your donations to have maximum impact on genuine needs, consider the following guidelines before you write your checks:
- Focus on the Purpose. You give in order to honor Christ as you help meet the needs of His children. A true gift is selected according to the needs of the “recipient,” not according to how the gift will make the donor feel.
- Give where non-Christians are not likely to give. Explicitly Christian ministries (including churches) have a smaller pool from which to draw.
- Give according to Need. Some ministries and organizations have greater financial needs than others.
- Think Globally. We must take part in God’s work in our own neighborhoods, but it is not biblical to limit ourselves – “in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost” (Acts 1:8).
- Think Strategically. There is joy in knowing that a gift might help someone. There is more joy in knowing your investment will produce “grace ripples” across an entire community, nation or the world.
- Think Holistically. Of course, we need to show mercy to the poor. But some poverty is well-disguised. No one is “more poor” than the person that does not know the love of Jesus… even if they live in a nice home.
- Support ministries that are Trustworthy. Not everything that smells like a rose is a rose. Support ministries led by people you know and trust.
There are people on your Christmas list who have no real needs, but you want (or feel the need) to give them something. Make a donation to a worthy Christian ministry in their honor. This is a win-win-win strategy that makes Jesus smile. And it is His Birthday!
If you think FollowOne International fits these guidelines, you can make a donation online or send your check to FollowOne International, 715 Glen Eagle Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708.
3 Responses to “How to Give like a Wise Man”
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Some people call me a “mobilizer.” I am passionate about helping people connect with God and his work in ways that change the world.
I am really an ordinary guy with no remarkable gifts or abilities. However, God has surrounded me with extraordinary people. Read more >>
Great word brother!
I agree. This is a great summary and one we can/should use all year, not just at Christmas. May you and the entire FollowOne team be richly blessed this season and throughout the new year!
[...] and strategic giving requires hard work. It’s called stewardship. Here are some brief guidelines that will help you give more wisely this month and beyond. Happy Birthday [...]