Religious versus Mission Giving

Donations is often a hot topic among missionaries. The faith we develop as we see God continually supply is amazing -but we do often find ourselves asking "Where is God's provision?" I think this arises because we see so much need around us and we often give so much of our own money to meet those needs. My observations tell me that mission workers give far more than the average American citizen.

I read a headline today that said that donations in 2008 had declined by 2%. My instincts told me this was true due to the continuing economic situation. However, I was curious. I went the source of the study. Giving USA Foundation conducted the study and commented that the decline was not significant given the severity of the economic downturn. However there was very good news as I read the whole report! The study found that "Religious congregations and other religious organizations received an estimated $106.89 billion . . . This is the second year that giving to religion has exceeded $100 billion. Giving to religion increased an estimated 5.5 percent (1.6 percent adjusted for inflation)." WOW! I was actually shocked! How could this be? Studies have always shown that the vast majority of religious giving comes from the lower 2/3 of the people economically - yet, they had increased their giving when they were hit the hardest by the downturn!

I am still unsure how to interpret this information. I'm sure someone has done a study of where all the religious donations go. I don't see it on the mission field. The missionaries I know have had serious declines in donations and have had to work harder to get what they get which takes them off the field. One missionary I know received nothing one month! Others have had to step up their fund raising activities by making trips to the U.S.

I just know, my faith is in Jehovah-Jireh! He knows my every need. It is my job to adjust my lifestyle and ministry to His provision. Only He can break into people's hearts and help them see what He sees. God is good - all the time!

How "Casual" Can a True Believer Be?

A good friend recently shared an article which helped me to understand the "State of America". I have found myself truly in a fog when it came to trying to comprehend things like election results, Supreme Court decisions, liberal churches, and even the principles espoused by some of my friends. These anomalies have been especially disconcerting when observing "Christians" in church seemingly oppose what is specific in scripture.

The article is an interview with George Barna concerning a recently released book, The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why they Matter. Two of the seven tribes are labeled Captive Christians and Casual Christians. His survey showed that 66% of the adult population in the U.S. are Casual Christians, while 16% are Captive Christians. Casual Christians have a faith that is not demanding but provides comfort. They have a desire for a "pleasant and peaceful existence." Casual Christians have a "desire to please God, family, and other people while extracting as much enjoyment and comfort from the world as possible."

In my title, I asked the question, "How casual can a True Believer be?" Herein lies the problem. Too many of us are asking this question in regards to our own living arrangements when the question we should be asking is, "What does the Father ask of me?" or "How can I better honor my Lord and Savior?" Our failure to impact our world as a Christian community is directly tied to our insatiable desire to be accepted by everyone who might make our lives uncomfortable if we were to live a Biblically principled lifestyle. We often find ourselves hedging on what should be our conviction in the name of "love" or "making peace" etc. I do think it is very important to develop and maintain loving relationships, but these relationships are worthless if we sacrifice our authenticity as followers of Christ.

In Galatians 1:10 Paul states, "Am I now trying to win the approval of people or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant." George Barna puts it this way: "Casuals are about moderation in all things while Captives are about extreme devotion to their God regardless of the worldly consequences." I hope that each of us will choose on a daily basis the 'road less traveled' that Christ walked.

Blessings to all!