WMA: Legacy of Giving

By Jackie Ricks

      At this time of year, everyone’s mind is on giving and how many Christmas presents to give various loved ones and friends. However, physical gift-giving is not the only thing we should be concerned about. Some families prefer to give something other than a physical gift — perhaps an experience, time or help of some kind. What kind of legacy of giving do you have?

      My parents taught me to tithe from an early age. No, I didn’t receive an allowance, but they taught the concept and made sure I had money to give in church weekly, even if it was just a few coins. Then, when I began my first paying job, they reminded me of the 10% that belongs to God before anything else. They also explained that we hadn’t given an actual “offering” until it exceeded that amount. I observed their example throughout the years and knew that, just as Malachi 3:10 says, they were blessed by their obedience. I, too, have been blessed.

      Giving to the church was not the only way to give. They also believed in helping people in need. One Christmas in Jacksonville, we were in bad shape financially. Dad did not have a pastorate since we moved because of his health. Mom had a job at a dry goods store. One sister was in college, and there were still two of us kids at home and in school. Our car was not working because someone ran into it while parked on the street. My parents had already told us we couldn’t have a Christmas tree or any presents. With $6 to make it through the week, Mom wondered how we would survive and have enough to eat. At church, the pastor announced an offer for a needy family. When the plate came around, Dad gave what he had in faith. Imagine our surprise, during lunch, when the deacons knocked on our door with boxes of food and the collected money. Not only did we get a small tree, but each of us received one gift. Plus, my parents received a ride to Houston to see my newborn nephew. Despite my young age at the time, the concept of giving stuck with me.

      However, their giving wasn’t just money, and it wasn’t just to the church. Many times, my mother, and now I, made dishes to take to friends and neighbors who had a death or sickness in the family. It was just the right thing to do. When possible, even more should be done. If close enough, it’s also good to help with housework or other needs, such as keeping children, at those times.

      Our family had not been in Houston long when one of the couples in the church was hospitalized after a wreck. Our three-bedroom house became home to not only the four of us but also to the five children of that couple. I don’t remember how long it lasted, but I watched my parents be kind and giving as they helped the family.

      A lasting legacy doesn’t always come from a family member. I was without a car for an entire year in college. Not living on campus or near my church, I sometimes needed help getting around. I could ride the city bus most of the time to school, but none ran to church. One couple gave me a ride to every church service. Since she worked there, another church member sometimes picked me up on her way to the campus. I have tried to “pay it forward,” as the saying goes, in the years since then by supplying transportation to others when needed.

      Some people feel they have nothing to give. Maybe they don’t have money, but many have skills. I’ve known some churches with a group of people who use their skills — mechanics, electricians, plumbers, etc. — to help senior citizens who need assistance but can’t afford to hire help due to a fixed income. One church calls it Helping Hands. People may sign up with their needs or their skills. Do you have a skill that could help someone out?

      There are so many ways to give, and it is important to teach our young people now because today’s world is more interested in what they can get than what they can give. Remember that words aren’t enough. Giving must be demonstrated, and it must be done with a loving, unselfish motive.

      We should never think of ourselves as special just because we have been given money, time or anything else. After all, our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His all for us, and God the Father sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. Our giving pales in comparison when we put things in perspective. As we exchange gifts during Christmas, reflect on what more we could give or who else might need our help. Of course, we should always express gratitude for everything.

      • Scripture — Deut. 14:22-29; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 5:42; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; I Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor. 9:6-8; I Thess. 5:18

         • Prayer — “Lord, first, thank You for all You’ve given me. Thank You for giving Your only Son to die for my sins. Also, thank You for the legacy of giving that I’ve seen in my life. Please help me show the same to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

         • Response — Thank God for what you have been given, including the legacy of faith and generosity you have been taught.See if there’s any improvement you can make to share a legacy of giving with others.

         — These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blogs.