Thursday Reflection from Archdeacon Brian Dec 1

'God Loves a Cheerful Giver'*

Two weeks ago, we received 'the Annual Parish Stewardship Letter' from our Wardens.

The theme of the letter was not All About Money. We were each invited to share how we may participate in ‘Whole Life Stewardship’ as individuals. ‘Whole Life’ stewardship is to consider how we share our time, talent, and treasure, in our daily life.            

I find it interesting: when the church talks about stewardship we emphasize those 3-T’s.

In the list “treasure” always comes last. This is significant. How we live our daily lives, and share the physical nature of our lives, is a significant factor in how the world experiences our lives as  Christian.            

Tuesday of this week has been noted as ‘Giving Tuesday’ across North America.

Within the Fund-Raising profession, the last Tuesday of November has been designated ‘Giving Tuesday.’ Promotional material for the day emphasizes Charity vs. Philanthropy.   Charity and philanthropy are often used interchangeably.

Truth is: there are fundamental differences.

Charity is a natural, emotional impulse to an immediate situation.
Giving usually occurs in the short-term.
Charity can take the form of monetary donations, or volunteer support. 

 Philanthropy addresses the root cause of social issues.
It requires a more strategic, long-term approach.
In addition to giving money or volunteering, some philanthropists also participate in advocacy work.            

For example, charity and philanthropy both play roles in all charitable work. The church is a part of this work.

Often, when a disaster occurs in the world, religious organizations are at the heart of the relief response. In relief work, the world is invited to respond to basic needs. This response is true charity.            

Whereas philanthropy looks at the complete impact disaster has within the cycle of peoples’ lives. The philanthropic response looks at the full picture: from immediate, to assisting the many organizations involved in recovery, to prevention. The philanthropist looks at certain population groups, such as the poor, or the elderly. The philanthropist works to improve “systems.”            

I often think of our charitable work as both charity and philanthropy: our own PWRDF work with a dual focus, charity, and philanthropy.            

Biblically, we can turn to many references for our charitable work:

• 1 Peter 4:10 
  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

• Genesis 2:15 
  The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 
  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.*

• Proverbs 16:3 
  Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

• 1 Corinthians 4:2 
  Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

I am sure you can think of others.            

Significant to all of us, Christ’s ministry is filled with a focus on charity and philanthropy.
Christ was one of the greatest philanthropists of all time, and through him we are called to share in his continuing ministry.

Blessings for this week,
Archdeacon Brian+ 

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