Today I’ll try to answer three questions that have come across my desk relating to money and giving.
1. Kurt: How can I do more good with my money even though I don’t have a lot of it?
Ah Kurt, you are having an out-of-money experience and still want to give. This is one of the coolest questions ever asked, with the possible exception of the kid who said, “Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?” God loves this question. So ask Him. He’ll show you. Go looking for needs you can meet. They’re everywhere. Very few single moms or dads turn down an invitation to dinner or a gift card for an evening out. Find out who’s in need and do a drive-by grocery drop. Involve your kids or grandkids. Trust me, it’s something they’ll never forget.
2. Reg: If you could give your younger self advice about money, what would you say?
Run like crazy from get-rich-quick schemes. A guy sat in my office and said, “I can double your money in a year. I know a few of your friends who are in on this.” Guess why I signed up? Greed and envy. Not great reasons to invest. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.” I wish I’d learned that a little earlier.
3. Nancy: I want to be a giver but my spouse doesn’t attend church. Any suggestions?
Ya. Be honest. Be transparent. Pray. And see what God does. When Lee Strobel’s wife Leslie became a follower of Jesus, he thought she’d be miserable and no fun. It turned out the opposite. One day she asked Lee if it was okay if she gave some money to the church building fund. He wasn’t thrilled, but said, “You earned the money, so okay.” Leslie wrote out a cheque. The next day her boss called saying there had been a timesheet error. They owed her money. Guess how much? The exact amount she had given to the church. Lee said, “It was one of those ‘coincidences’ that kept me awake at night wondering if there really is a God who cares and provides for His children.” And Lee thought, this God has a great sense of humour – even when it comes to money.
