As much as any gift, there are certain people entrusted with the gift of giving. However, from outside evidence, it can appear that this is also one of the gifts that have passed off the scene. Here is a summary of giving as a percentage of income from research based on 29 Protestant denominations:
In 1968 people gave to their churches 2.5 percent
In 1993 that number dropped to 2.25 percent of their income
In 2003 that number remained constant at 2.3 percent[1]
Often we hear about the tithe—giving ten percent of your income. Of course, the tithe in the Old Testament was a required tax. Benevolent giving was beyond ten percent. Today’s data shows we can’t even begin to think about giving beyond 10 percent—or even ten percent! I wish people gave five percent of their income. Could you imagine? What if our local churches had twice as much from giving! Think what they could do—increase support for missions and mission projects; sponsor outreach events to creatively present their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is not an appeal for money, but is exhortation to be faithful to God. And if you have the gift of giving, then you are given to give. So, give! Use your gift as you would any other. Many have received financial blessing by the Lord to be able to give more. With them it seems that with the gift of giving came the gift of making money. God entrusts them with this gift to use in amplified ways as they mature.
The Macedonians were givers like that. Paul writes to the Corinthians about them in 2Corinthians 8:1-4.
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
They begged to give. What unique people!
The richest storehouse on earth is not found in the gold mines of Ghana. The largest deposits in the world are not found in the diamond fields in South Africa. Nor is the world’s greatest accumulation of wealth stored in the safe holdings of Fort Knox. Where is the world’s greatest repository of wealth? The graveyard. The world’s largest bank is the graveyard. There are buried riches of all kinds. Not only bank deposits left to be fought over by heirs (where the lawyers get paid first!), but in the grave you will find dreams never fulfilled, visions that were never realized, books that were never written, songs never sung, ideas which never became reality, inventions that no one ever experienced, solutions to problems not taken advantage of. Buried in the grave are great preachers who died without ever preaching a single sermon, givers who never gave a dime, leaders who never led anyone to any mountain top. There in the cemetery are world movers and shakers but could never shake their bad habits or addictions. The graveyard is the richest place on earth! Our challenge is to rob the grave of its wealth, and live the potential God has given us. Leave the grave empty of riches having done all to serve the Lord our Savior before he calls you home. If you are gifted in giving, then now is the time to give!
Conclusion:
Those who “live to give” are blessed with time and resources to give even in their poverty.
