DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Our mailbox is flooded around this time of year with letters from organizations asking for money. In fact, I've started tossing them in the wastebasket. Why don't they spend their money on worthwhile projects, instead of wasting it on fundraising?
-- M.P.
DEAR M.P.: You're right, up to a point; many organizations and ministries do make special financial appeals around Christmas and the end of the year. What you may not realize, however, is that many of them depend on this year-end giving to pay their bills. Without it, they wouldn't be able to carry on their work.
This is why I encourage you not to throw these letters away, but to read them and prayerfully consider what God would have you do with your giving. This doesn't mean you ought to give to every organization that asks you; you can't support every worthy cause, but must trust God to raise up others to support them. Jesus' words could be applied to their need for financial support as well as personnel: "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:38).
Remember: God gave your money to you, and He wants you to use it wisely and for His glory. All around you are people who face great need -- not just materially, but spiritually. Do you see them the same way God seems them? And are you seeking to help them with the resources God has given you?
Don't see giving as a burden or obligation, but as a joy -- and you will, when you begin seeing the world through Christ's eyes. He gave His life for you; in return can you give Him anything less? The Bible urges us to be generous, because "your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Food on 12/07/2016