Recently I have had conversations with several people about their giving and generosity. One word that comes up over and again is “uncertain.” They are uncertain about the future of their church. They are uncertain about the political situation and what might happen. They are uncertain about whether their investments might decline after so many years of good gains. They are uncertain about changes in life that may, or may not, be coming. So, they don’t know how generous to be.
For most of us, certainty is a kind of idol. The worship of it keeps us from trying new things, from chancing failure in order to discover success, and from taking risks that might lead to great things—and great joy to match. If we needed certainty, the Jews would never have crossed the Red Sea, Magellan would never have left port, and America would never have put a man on the moon.
Given that we can’t be certain, how do we decide how, and how much, we should give?
Fortunately for us, the Bible gives us guidance. We give regularly and in proportion to the amount we receive. When we receive income, we share some of it. The tithe of 10% has long been a norm for Christian giving. The point is that as we take in, we let go. If we get more, we share more. If we get less, we share less. We don’t worry about certainty, but proportion.
Secondly, we take our cue from God, who so loved the world that he gave his one and only son. In fact, God gave the son into an uncertain world. Born in a feed trough and died on a tree—with a lot of ups and downs along the way. From life to death nothing was guaranteed. But that act of giving from God’s heart changed a billion hearts over the last two millennia.
Third, we remember how our ancestors did it. There they were, homeless, wandering in the wilderness, not knowing what the week would bring. Yet each day God sent enough for each day. Manna from heaven. They thought they were going to navigate life on their own, but God was watching over them the whole time. Once they were certain of God, they didn’t worry so much about the uncertainty of life.
You may be certain of two things today. Life will be uncertain. God’s watchful care will not. Live well and give well and be blessed.
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Glenn Howell
Director of Development
Heartland Methodist Foundation