Economic Stimulus Payment – Give it away
John Piper has suggested that Christians do something unthinkably un-American and decidedly Christ-exalting: Give away your Economic Stimulus Payment.
Excerpt:
May I encourage you to be radically creative and hedonistic. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). And those crazy Macedonians in a “severe test of affliction” and in “extreme poverty” had an “abundance of joy” that overflowed in a “wealth of generosity.” They even begged Paul “for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). They really believed what Jesus said. Really.
Before the check comes dream of some person or ministry which might make much of Christ because you treasured him above your next home project.
I couldn’t agree more.
If you call yourself a Republican, you owe it to your political ideology to actually support a social cause with private money. If you call yourself a Democrat, consider this a way to fund your favorite charity or cause with public money.
Colin,
I agree wholeheartedly and as I am no longer a Rep. nor a Dem. I will support Christ’s Kingdom with my ESP for His Glory, hehe.
I will be seeking His will through prayers as to where the funds should go, and if you know of any particular needs that I may be unaware of that surely need some much needed funds, please do let me know. God gives us wealth in this nation, so that we may Glorify Him with it in our not idolizing/coveting it.
Thank you for offering up this idea and thanks for actually doing it, as so many think it’s a “good idea” but when the cash arrives in hand, their faith is tested and they may think “Oh but I have these bills” but you are going through with it and that is a great testament to your faith in our Lord in taking care of His flocks needs.
Your brother in Christ,
Jonathan
Good question. I’ll break this down into a few options. Truth be told, there’s a vast number of individuals and organizations that have a true need for support. The only thing I can offer is some suggestions.
On a personal level, you can look around in your community and ask God to illuminate a specific person who is in either explicit or implicit financial need, and give the lump sum of money to them. Additionally, you can create a greater impact by teaming up with 2 or more people who are willing to do the same thing. Look for the people who are flat broke and have a tangible need to eat and receive shelter. Perhaps its someone who is having a hard time paying bills, or has just encountered an unexpected expense that has really put them out.
On a local level, you could give the money as an offering to your church, or any number of local organizations that are providing essential services to people in need. In Seattle, my suggestions would be New Horizons street youth ministries, Bread of Life Mission, Union Gospel Mission, The IRC for refugees in King County etc…
On a national level, you could give to America’s Second Harvest hunger relief, American Red Cross, American Land Conservancy, etc….
On a global level….man, where do I start?
First, if you know of a missionary who is engaged in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide, give them your money.
Do you have a heart for people in Israel? – Magen David Adom
Do you have a heart for Palestinians? – Palestinian Red Crescent
Do you have a heart for people in Darfur? – Safe Darfur Coalition
Are you outraged by the injustice of child sex tourism? – World Vision Child Sex Tourism Prevention Project
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the people and places that could use your support. Be creative with how you give and think about what would make the most impact.