SECRET GIVING
What does secret giving mean to you? I grew up in a home where my mother gave and gave - she taught us that giving to others was at the forefront of who we are. I remember as a child barely having enough food to feed a family of seven, but yet my mom would fill bags of food for a neighbor in need. Her heart was to give unconditionally without judgment. She opened my eyes to see that no matter what little we may have, we can always give something. She personified the "widow's mite" over and over again.
God always provided in our home because my mother sowed generously! "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ... Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corin. 9:6-11 (emphasis added)
In a world where the emphasize is on getting all you can, having more, getting the best, bigger homes, cars, etc., we are slowly failing into the trap of self-indulgence. When we take our eyes of the needs of others and put them on ourselves we become like the Pharisees. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside will be clean." Matthew 23:25-26
Let's teach our children about what it means to give generously - lead by example! If your child sees you buying everything you want, or passing by the Salvation Army "red kettle" without dropping in at least $1, what do you think you are teaching them? Take the time to teach them about giving to others and searching your heart before purchasing that next new gadget.
Here are some practical ways to teach them about giving to others:
- Visit a local food pantry and have them volunteer their time;
- Spend time helping with local ministries that help others, "Feed My Starving Children"
- Start a giving bank at home and use it to bless a family in need;
- Bring gifts to someone in need and drop them off at their door (use this as a secret project);
- Don't pass the "red kettle" without putting something in - every little bit adds up;
- Buy the person behind you at the Starbuck's drive-through their coffee;
When wanting to buy the next new gadget that comes on the market, start an envelope marked with that item on the front and when they have saved up the entire amount have them ask themselves - "is this something I want or need?" They may still say it is something they need but at least you have planted the seed for them to first search their heart before making the choice. As they begin to consciously think about this they will begin to make wiser choices. Be patient and remember to lead by example.
