Budget Giving

     In the last year or so I have become an obsessive budgeter (that's actually a word--I looked it up to make sure). And one of the first things I learned was that in order for a budget to work, you can't leave anything out and just bank on the leftovers to cover what you don't include. And you all know why; there never are any leftovers. So when you budget your mortgage payment and your car note and your electricity bill you also have to budget your eating out and entertainment. Something else we all need to budget is charitable giving. You always hear people talking about how they would love to give more to charity, but their argument is that they never seem to have the extra cash. Well, all they have to do is budget it.
     Yes, budgeting charitable giving does mean the cell phone data plan may need to be cut or that cable tv isn't really that important and those $4 coffees aren't necessary...But knowing that you're part of changing the world for the better does a lot more for you than internet/channel surfing or caffeine highs do.
     And that's just it about giving--it's just as much about the motivation as it is the actual donation. The world we live in is trying to (and succeeding at) making everything electronic. If you pay your bills online, why not give to the church or your favorite charity online? Just have it drafted from your bank account. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, and in many cases it is the best way, I feel like it just turns giving into another bill. It's like you never see the money so you never miss it. But that undermines the very idea of giving. It's supposed to a conscious sacrifice that you gladly make--not money that is begrudgingly taken from you. It's not a tax collection, it's a gift.
     On that same note, I have often heard people say that you shouldn't think about what you could do with the money that you give to charity because then you're more likely to keep it and spend it on those things. I disagree. When you realize what you could get for the money if you kept it versus the impact it could have in the hands of charitable organizations around the world--the difference is exponential. The new TV can wait if it means we can get one step closer to finding a cure for despicable diseases (http://www.alz.org/) or provide care for the poverty stricken and orphans halfway around the globe (http://www.restorationhope.org/) or share the Gospel with children in our community through Vacation Bible School (http://www.fbcbrandon.com/).
          Yes, there is a lot you can do with the money you earn, but when you really think about it, how is it best spent--on luxuries for you and me or for the hope and survival of others? So look at you income and your expenses, create a budget, and designate the first 10% (act in obedience to God--you know...tithing) and more (give out of the abundance you have) to that charitable giving. The rest will work itself out; I'm sure.