stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 4:17)

When we give, it should be with a pure heart. We should not want recognition or attention. Our primary goals in giving should be to honor the Lord and serve others. When we receive, it should be done with humility and thankfulness. We should not expect or demand others to give to us. We must show genuine gratitude when others use their resources to help us. Today, I am writing thank you cards to a few people who served in different capacities in our church. I want them to know my sincere thanks for their service to the Lord and His church. 

Paul desired the Philippians to know his thankfulness for their generosity. He also wanted them to know he didn’t want to take advantage of their giving nature. While he had a need, he wasn’t looking to simply satisfy his own needs. He was thankful but wanted their giving “to be credited to your account.” The Philippians were not boasting about their gift, and it doesn’t seem they wanted Paul to brag about them either. Both sides were humble. Giving and receiving must be done in humility. It’s better when others recognize your generosity.  It’s prideful to boast in your giving. Better to give anonymously than shout it from the rooftops. 

I had a church member approach me very harshly once about their giving. They made it clear that they gave the church a certain amount of money and did not want me to use it for a particular endeavor. I asked them some questions to gain clarity and found they wanted to be controlling and boastful in their generosity. Designated giving is one thing, while demanded giving is another. I explained our church’s desire to help in the endeavor as it was gospel-centered and biblically initiated. It directly helped to fulfill our church’s mission statement. When they continued to object, I said, “Thank you for your giving, but we would continue with the project. You’re welcome to give towards another endeavor.” Full disclosure: we were buying playground equipment for an orphanage in the Philippines that rescues children from human trafficking. Why they objected, I’m still not clear. What I had clarity in was that generosity must not be demanding or prideful! Let others do the boasting when it comes to your generosity. 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Do you brag about your generosity? Do you secretly want others to notice your generosity?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Allow the Lord to search the motives of your generosity. If recognition is a prerequisite to your giving (even if it isn’t communicated), ask the Lord to teach you to be humble.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• How can you give your time, talent, and treasure to someone anonymously? Seek an opportunity today and be content knowing the need was met if no one ever knows it was provided through you.