Giving to Charity

You have been solicited by someone at sometime asking for something to help someone in need. The sales pitch is given in a straightforward manner with all the integrity and honesty the solicitor can deliver. The request may be to help the homeless, a children’s home, a pet’s shelter, a fundraiser for police or firefighters widows, a wounded veterans program, or it may be to fight some notorious disease that has claimed millions of lives. All causes, all deserving support. Your next decision is who’s using the money for the greatest good?

Doesn’t the Bible say that charity begins at home? Not in so many words, but it does say that we are to be discerning about who we support with our monies. Some charities spend 80 to 90% of the total money they raise to throw parties, hire staff, and send out promotional materials to…you guessed it, raise more money! Millions of dollars are raised, but only a small percentage goes to help the intended parties. Wasteful, deceitful, disgraceful—yes. Would you care to be in their shoes come Judgment Day?

How are we to help all those suffering people? Do we ignore their pleas? Do we sell everything we have and give it all away? Where is that happy middle ground? Giving away money and hoping it will be used wisely is irresponsible. There are questions to be asked and answered truthfully. A charity or foundation should strive to open their records/books for public scrutiny. They should be able to prove that the money you donate to help the needy in any/all areas do exactly that.

Churches used to help those in need. In this present day, the government helps those supposedly in need. One was helped by charitable giving. One is now helped by the tax you are forced to pay without accountability. God loves a cheerful giver, but God also demands an accounting of our time, our talents and our treasure. Maybe we could follow the teachings of the Bible. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!