Last month
we looked at the priority of goal setting (determining God’s
purposes for your life). This month we are taking a look at
the topic
of giving.
Giving is the most critical area of our finances if we are serious
about stewardship. The challenge with giving is that it is a
faith exercise and therefore the unknowns are great and the decisions
difficult. When we give, we are acknowledging the world that
is unseen which is the core effect of any step of faith. In fact,
in many cases, trusting in the unseen world appears irrational
at best and irresponsible at worst. Given this, it is not difficult
to explain why giving is such a struggle for most of us and the
church as a whole. Below are some statistics regarding the state
of giving in the church today:
As of 2000, 17 percent of Americans claim to tithe (i.e. give
10 percent of their income), while only 6 percent actually do
so. (Barna Research Ltd.) Generally, the more money a person makes the less likely he
is to tithe. (Barna Research Ltd.)
In 2000, the total amount given by the average individual evangelical
Christian dropped by 19 percent (to $1,166). (Barna Research
Ltd.)
For each
of us this is an issue that we will wrestle with over our lifetimes.
The
challenge is making sure that we balance the
need for discipline versus moment-by-moment generosity. Far too
often we can find ourselves legalistically burdened with the
challenge of giving 10% while sometimes pridefully patting ourselves
on the back when we follow through on the “law” of
tithing. As we move to the other extreme, we can find ourselves
devoid of any real giving commitment as we bounce from week to
week giving as we feel “led” which helps mask our
fear of this endeavor of stepping out on faith.What is the
right answer? How much is enough? How much should go to what
organizations?
Since this is an area of faith in our
lives the answers to these questions will come after much prayer
and reflection on what God tells us in his word. Our challenge
is to faithfully pursue the answers to these questions for doing
so is to our benefit. The first question we must ask is, “Does
God need our money?” As we answer this with a confident “no”,
we can then begin to understand that giving is about God and
the blessings he wants to pour on us.Below are
some questions that might help you discern your stage in the
giving process. Use these questions and the information
in this newsletter to pursue the purses that will not wear
out and experience the joy that comes from a paradox that outside
of a relationship with God is not possible to understand.Do I believe that God owns it all?
Am I giving 10% of my income?
Am I stuck on giving only 10% of my income?
Does it all go to the church or does half to go to the church?
How much is the right amount to ultimately give?
Warmest Regards,
Jeff Chinery
Director – National Planning Group
In
the NewsHealth
Savings Accounts
A new law was passed as part of the recent Medicare reform bill which has received
little attention but may very well change the face of health care as we know
it today. This law authorizes the creation of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
which will allow individuals to manage some of their own health care dollars
through accounts they own and control. The funds in their HSA account would
be used to pay expenses not paid by third-party insurance, including the cost
of out-of-network doctors and diagnostic tests. The owners of these accounts
can profit from being wise consumers of medical care because as their account
balances grow, the funds will eventually be available for nonmedical purchases.
To learn more about HSAs reference the articles below or simply go to www.google.com and
search for information on HSAs.Treasury
Secretary Snow’s fact sheetArticle
from the National Center for Policy Analysis (PDF)
Commentary
by Martin Feldstein (PDF)
Who
We Are and How We Can Help You
The National Planning
Group of Ronald Blue & Co. is a unique
division within RB&Co. We started with a vision to serve
a wide range of Christians with
a desire to be better stewards of the assets God has asked them
to manage. With services
starting
as low as $180 for one hour of counsel, the structure of this group
makes it an affordable entrance for those who are ready to seek
professional financial counsel on an hourly basis, or have their
investment assets professionally managed. learn
more...
Planning Tips
Do
you have stocks, mutual funds or other investments that have
appreciated
in
value? Read Giving Appreciated Assets and
see if you might be able to take advantage of the ultimate
win –win
situation of gifting appreciated assets.
“It’s Deductible” Software
Giving involves more than just our money. Don’t let those
old clothes collect dust in your closet or basement. Donate them
to a worthy charity and use this software to maximize your tax
deductions. “It’s Deductible” helps you value
your donations of used clothing, toys, household items, etc.
Learn more at the It's Deductible Web site.
Relevant
Articles/InformationLooking for
answers to some of the common giving questions? Get
helpful answers from Crown Financial Ministries Web
site.Looking for
some encouragement and motivation when it comes to giving?
Read an article by Tony Evans that may give you the inspiration
you are looking for.
Not really
sure what the Bible says about money or you just want to learn
more?
Check out this list
of scripture references that will get you started and aid you
as you seek God’s wisdom.
