Charity Re-examined

"I am not a charity case"
So, this past weekend, I got the opportunity to go to Ag School which is a training program through Reach ministries. My campus ministry, Ichthus is huge on training up new Christian leaders. Little did I know that my mind would be so boggled...in a good way!


A Changed definition:
I actually learned that charity's definition has been confused with alms. Biblically, alms means the physical donation or thing that is being transferred. Acts 3:2 says, "And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple." 


Charity in the Bible, does not mean what dictionary.com claims. It actually means Agape love described in 1 Corinthians 13. "Charity is patient. Charity is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast..."


Exchanging the truth for a lie...
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ...They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen" (Romans 1:21-23,25). 


God is not telling us to keep from giving alms or donations. In fact, I know as a believer I am called to tithe with a cheerful heart (2 Cor. 9:7). However, if you find yourself in a place where you are giving money without charity (love) then it would be better for you to keep that money to yourself. 


A Higher Calling!
Those of you who wear the name Christian...God has called you to something higher than just throwing your money. If you have a compassion child, write letters to them. If you give to a large organization and you feel disconnected from their mission, consider pulling back your money. Think about ways to invest in students that have a heart for missions by sending them to serve or awesome conferences like Urbana! 


As Christians, it must be evident that we do works because of our faith, so that no one can boast in themselves. Plus, God has prepared them in advance for us to do in the first place! Take a look at the perfect example--Jesus. Jesus was active in social justice through the feeding of the 5,000 and the woman at the well. However, he made his purpose clear by talking about Bread of Life and the Living Water so that the glory may go to the Father.


Is this too hard? Well remember, you Cannot serve both God and Money (Matthew 6:24), so a choice will have to be made.




In Christ,
Ariel