What is Your Cause?

This year I am learning to be more generous. I know that I have so much more than most of the world. When I think about that it blows my mind. Especially when I think about all of the things I spend money on like candy bars at the cash register or drive-through coffee. Some days I feel really poor, especially when I can't make an unexpected payment or buy a wedding gift for a friend. However, I always come back, even on those days, and realize how much I really do have. It's in those moments when I feel poor that it is most difficult to be generous. I think to myself should I really be giving, as I look at the numbers in my bank account but I always come back with the answer overwhelmingly YES.

Matthew 6:2-4 says, "²“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

When I am sitting in front of the numbers thinking about giving, verse three often comes to mind. "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" I realize that what I'm about to say isn't necessarily the direct meaning of this verse. However, for me this verse is a reminder not to think too hard about the logistics of giving. Instead of sitting in front of my bank statement wondering if and how much to give, I should give without worrying about how much I will have left (respectively). Because I have so much in comparison to others but more importantly, because I have a God who is not limited by the amount of money in my bank account. God knows that I need things. "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " - Matthew 6:31-33

Today I encourage you to give, think about the needs around you and fulfill them. If you can't think of any, here are some places you can donate to...

Amazima Ministries

Buffalo City Mission

Mocha Club - Emergency Needs

Any of your local Homeless Shelters, people in your life who need an expense paid(a college student perhaps), International giving, and so many more opportunities to be generous. Don't pass it up.