Why do we GIVE?

In light of everything that is going on over in Haiti, I feel the need to say a little something about the “spirit of giving.”

What makes you WANT to give? Why do people give so much to people they have never met? I heard a conversation today between two of my classmates. One of the kids was saying that he had donated $30 to the Haiti donation going on at our school and, of course, the other kid had to say he had given $35 dollars. He HAD to give more than the other kid. He felt the need to one-up his friend. WHY?? Giving isn’t about being better than someone else. It’s not about giving more than the person next to you. It’s about doing something for someone IN GOD’S NAME because they may not be able to help themselves. In doing that, we’re showing God’s love. We aren’t glorifying ourselves because, well…that’s not what it’s about.

Our world is so bent on being better than the next person that comes along. We build up our lives with all of these material things that mean NOTHING. There are multiple stories in the bible where God calls people to give all of their possessions away and follow Him. So our possessions are obviously more important than God, right? No, not at all.

Now, I’m not telling you to go out, give all of your things away, and roam the countryside proclaiming God’s name. I definitely wouldn’t hold you back if that’s what you wanted but, I understand that could be a little drastic. What I am asking you to do is think about what your possessions mean to you. Then think about what God means to you. I assure you, God is more important than that car of yours. Also, don’t feel like you have to be better than someone else when you are giving. Know that what you are doing is for God’s glory and not your own. It’s not about you anymore. It’s about God. It’s about those people all over the world that are hurting. It’s about those people KNOWING God. Who cares if you gave more than your friend?

-Carter L.