Do More Ministry: Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving is exciting, even without dodging bullets

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August 6, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving is exciting, even without dodging bullets

I remember earlier this year when I began to see advertisements for a new TV show coming this summer called The Philanthropist. I thought, "How cool! They are finally creating a show that exposes the thrills of giving!"

Much to my disappointment, the show didn't turn out as I imagined. The storyline follows a billionaire as he dodges bullets and danger while going into war zones or foreign countries to create multi-million dollar deals that benefit his company financially while supposedly benefiting hurting people groups. Now doesn't that sound like a realistic everyday giving scenario!

To make philanthropy exciting, Hollywood has to throw in a little danger, some drama and an international wealthy playboy on private planes and an expensive lifestyle. There was an attempt last year by Oprah to highlight the positives of a generous life through her show The Big Give. But even that show had to spice up giving with nail-biting challenges and grand finales where people were voted off the show for not giving or raising enough for charity.

Giving in its purest form is exciting, even without the drama and danger. There are some people who are called to go into dangerous countries to help the needy, but for most of us, giving is a simpler act - it's throwing extra money in the offering plate above the tithe amount. It's dropping some groceries on the doorstep of a neighbor who was laid off and is having trouble paying the bills and feeding his family. It's giving up a Starbucks coffee once a week and instead sponsoring a child halfway around the world who you may never meet but whose life is changed because of your willingness to give.

And while there may not be drama and big excitement on our end of the giving equation, there is on the receiving end. Imagine the face of a man who has no idea where the next meal will come from, but opens the door to see a bag of groceries delivered by God on his doorstep.

Or picture the face of a child who is told that she can stay safely in a Christian group home with a roof and hot meals because a stranger is sponsoring her second chance at a good life.

Envision the face of a person who hears about the life-changing Gospel of Christ for the first time from a missionary God inspired you to sponsor, and think of the joy you will feel when you see that person in heaven, knowing that God gave you an opportunity to be a part of that person accepting Christ.

Have faith that while giving can sometimes seem insignificant or mundane on your end, even the smallest amount given in God's economy can mean exciting life changes for someone on the receiving end.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

Posted by bstroup at August 6, 2009 9:24 AM

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Do More Ministry

August 6, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving is exciting, even without dodging bullets

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