Give a Little Bit…

Resolution #2: Give!

I know it’s over a month after New Year’s, but I swear I didn’t come up with this resolution just now! In fact, I came up with this resolution long before New Year’s even came! I just seem to only write on this blog in spurts.

A few months ago, I went to Rogers Park Community Church (Click Here if you want to check it out). Although it is only a small church located in a rented facility that uses folding chairs instead of pews, this place never fails to move me. When service starts at this church, I always feel so renewed and motivated. The people here are so passionate about God, and without even knowing it, they always inspire me to be a better Christian. I am not trying to make this into an advertisement, but I honestly find this place and these people to be amazing. The worship band is so talented. I regret that I haven’t attended service here recently, due to some poor decision-making (but that’s a whole different story).

Anyway, a few months ago, before I went back home for winter break, one of the sermons at this church was about giving. The lead pastor here encouraged all of us to spare a dollar or two for those who need it. I’m sure we’ve all heard messages about giving, but how many people actually listen and follow these messages? My whole life I’ve always come up with some excuse not to give. For example, I would never give a homeless man any money because I thought they would all just buy drugs. But who am I to say whether or not the guy is really some crack dealer or if he is actually just a man without a house? And even if I don’t want to give money to some stranger on the street, what excuse do I have not to give to charities and organizations that I know are actually legit?

I don’t know what was so different this time, but the sermon just hit me: I have been so blessed, yet so selfish!

This sermon also reminded me about something I read online a long time ago that provoked some thought. I don’t remember the exact words, but it went a little something like this: Why is it such a huge deal to give a hobo on the street a one dollar bill or to put a few bucks in the offering plate at church, but it’s not a big deal to spend eight bucks at a movie or to spend half your paycheck on a shopping trip?

As a result of this sermon, I have been trying to donate a little bit more. I’m not talking about emptying my bank account here, or even my piggy bank for that matter. I’m talking about taking a small percentage of my income which I’m probably never even going to use and giving it to someone who might not having anything to eat tonight. I’m talking about putting down the twenty-seventh shirt I’m about to add to my closet and putting that money toward someone who doesn’t even have one shirt. For me, it might take a while to do a complete 180 and go from being a selfish prick to a generous giver. I have yet to give more than a small amount of money, but I am taking baby steps. I think when it comes to giving, every penny counts.