Hmm...Give Money or Buy a Flat Screen TV??

This weekend at church we had Dave Ramsey piped in from the 2007 Catalyst event to talk money and about giving. (Quick sidenote, Dave is the best communicator going on money in my opinion.... ) It makes me think of what's really at the core of why people give or don't? I had the privilege to serve with our Financial Freedom team for 4-5 years and met with scores of people struggling in the area of finances... I am strange.... but I love numbers and budgets and personal finance was a great match for me...

Kem and I made a decision in our worst financial state to start giving (tithing), we had done it sporadically but never methodically. At that time, we had over $15,000 in credit card debt, another $10K plus in a consolidation loan, creditors calling, $40K in my business debt, and a car payment around $250 per month. Additionally, we had to contact the church and let them know we wouldn't be fulfilling our building campaign commitment.. (ugh...talk about feeling like dirt)...that was nearly ten years ago...

Since then some crazy things have happened and we would be a strong advocate for how "giving" will change your life.... God definitely showed up...

One comment made this weekend was "giving will make you less selfish, giving will make life more about others, giving people are more fun to be around..." Mark Beeson talked about his desire to give to God's work is what motivates him to get his personal finances in order so than he CAN give... you can check it out this week at gccwired.com (usually the Monday after the weekend and it's up for one week)

So here's the challenge: "Giving 10% of your income away will positively change your life- your life will be richer, deeper, and have much more meaning". True or false? If people truly, in their gut believed this, wouldn't everyone be doing it? Quick thoughts:

• Manage (steward) your giving- know where & what it's being used for... it will make you feel even better about your giving- Don't trust what's being done with your money? Skeptical? Find somewhere you CAN trust- don't let that be a cop out-
  
• Have your money automatically deducted from your account every week/month/year... it's a lifetime/style decision- treat it like your investment account- it's just better.
  
• Put your hands and feet "in" wherever you're giving- deliver food, volunteer, get involved- it's great to know how you're playing a part in changing the world and you-


• Giving rarely gives "instant gratification"- unexpected bills may come the very next day- When you look in your rearview mirror a year, three years from now- you'll see it...


• Want that flat screen TV set instead? OK... I want one too.. But let's try to squeeze it in the other 90% we get to manage...


• On that note...."stuff" just seems to be less important the more I give..


• Start somewhere... start at 1% with a plan to get to 10%... it's not an all or nothing deal... with each bill that goes away or raise, try to bump it up a step..

For those who profess to be a Christian, here's a quick link on Bible verses on money I found- God commands it- however, I like acknowledge the fact He wants what's best for me... there must be something to it... (That's a positive spin on it- He says to test Him in this..)

For those who could give a rip about what the Bible says-I still would consider: "Giving 10% of your income away will positively change your life- your life will be richer, deeper, and have much more meaning". Test it for one year and see what happens...

So for me... I guess the flat-screen will wait... but I have a hunch it's going to continue to be worth it...