Give a little, get a lot!

Children start off life with a "gimme, gimme, gimme" attitude. This is understandable since children are dependant on adults for survival. However, as they grow older, we teach them the values of sharing, and giving to others. Children are told that giving will feel good, because it will make someone else happy.

So what does this have to do with us? As adults, we too are asked to give. We give or our time and energy in classes and work. Our family obligations require our attention and patients. And as Christians, we are asked to give of our money, but we want something in return. We typically want something tangible or else it isn't worth the giving.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a very passionate denomination. No matter what side of an issue you stand on, you passionately believe in your stance. We love our church, and while we have our ups and downs, we stand by our church because we believe in the mission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Then why don't we always show it? Yes, we put time and energy into our church so that there is special music, youth activities, and fellowship events. But why does our support stop there? Why are we reluctant to give financial support to our churches, regions, and general units?

Growing up, I remember hearing my parents tell me, "If you give, you might just find you get something in return." Now, when I was younger, I interpreted that to mean that if I give "Johnny" one of my pieces of gum, he'd give me some of his M&Ms. I looked for instant gratification. However, now that I am older, and only a little bit wiser, I am just now beginning to understand the joy of giving. When I put money in the offering plates on Sundays, or when I write a check to a group or organization, I feel good! While I may never see exactly what that money produces, the joy of giving is my new instant gratification. I may not always be able to give a lot (I am in college), but I do give what I believe I can give as often as I believe I can give it.

By being financially supportive of your congregations, regions, and general units, you make an investment towards the future of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Monies collected do not just go to the overall maintenance and functioning of your church. Camps are funded, scholarships are created, and conferences are held, because of the money given. If wonderful stewards had not given so willingly to HELM or to Bethany College, I would not be where I am today. If people had not given to the regions I have grown up in, I would never had experienced the presence of God at church camps and conferences. If people had not given to my local congregations, I would not have been able to receive scholarships to go to camps or participate in General Assemblies.

Disciples have a strong sense of mission. We want to get out there and help those in need. But to do that, you have to begin by giving at home. How can you stop world hunger, when there are people in your own backyards who are going hungry? The first step towards being able to help others, is to first help and support your own church. So, next time the plates are passed, or someone approaches you about giving a little more. Think about what you would want to tell your kids. Remember that there is great joy and reward in giving without expecting anything back. Because when you give a little, you just might find you get a lot back.