06 Oct How to Give Recklessly On A Budget
Too often we’ve limited the impact we can make for others based on the impact we’ve yet to make within our own bank accounts. It’s a reasonable assertion to wait until you’ve taken care of yourself before you can take care of others. Absolutely. But just because you’re broke doesn’t mean you can’t flex your generosity. In fact, some of the most generous people I know aren’t commonly considered wealthy.
But what options do you have when your 10% is less than your neighbors? I mean, does a $40 tithe, or a $15 donation to a local non-profit really make that much of a difference in the grand scheme of things? Let me just say this,
If everyone gave what they could instead of choosing to not give at all, every non-profit in the United States would be fully operational. Every one of them.
Just give
Overthinking generosity is counter-intuitive. What can you give? Give that. Don’t wait till you can give a one-lump-sum gift to an organization, LET GO first, and then see for yourself the amount of room you have leftover (both in your heart and in your wallet). It’s actually quite superficial and selfish to withhold generosity because you believe your gift won’t be noticed. Be free.
It’s not just about the money
Time, talents, and treasures. They matter. Sometimes, with a low budget comes availability. Are you available? I believe time is valuable, so should you. If you have time to donate to organizations, give it. Whether it’s an hour weekly or monthly, you make a huge difference. If you’re a creative (which I happen to be), sometimes (ALL THE TIME) people need your talents.
Can you write? Non-profits, be it churches, youth homes, missions, and the like need great copywriters. Designers, developers, and anyone with an open schedule and open heart can offer their services to these people STARVING for help.
No one is powerless. Not even you. See beyond the dollar and invest deeply in the mission of the churches and organizations you wish to support.
You gotta have faith
George Michael had it right (you know, kinda). There’s an element of simply trusting God that these things will come together and that your faithfulness will be honored. Don’t be mistaken, don’t give to get, give because giving is GOOD. Give because giving speaks volumes of your gratitude and integrity. Give because your “good enough” is, in fact, good enough. And give because YOU ARE VALUABLE. That’s right. The way you spend your money speak volumes about how you view yourself.
I hope this encourages you to give and see positive results both financially and spiritually in your life. Remember, it’s not about the amount of comma’s on your check, it’s about your heart behind how you give.
Do you have a story about a time you gave, even when you may not have been able to write a gigantic check and noticed the difference in your life? What did you learn? I’d love to hear about it. Comment below and share!
