That *@%# Bell Ringer

I hate that bell-ringer outside of my local grocery store. Yes, I meant to say that. She's obnoxious. And unrelenting. And that bell drives me crazy. The day after Thanksgiving, she wished me "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays", The day after Thanksgiving. Gross! I responded, "Seriously?" She just kept smiling...and ringing that obnoxious bell.

I didn't give her any money.

Truthfully, it's the nature of non-profits (or of any person or organization that exists primarily for the benefit of others) to raise funds. It's not easy, and it's not what we would choose to do if we had a choice. It's just the way it is. And it's not going to change. So, several times a year . . .

. . . we have to ask for money.

Not a simple task in a tough economy, populated by those who are accustomed to consuming. Not an easy goal to reach, especially in a culture predisposed to receiving rather than giving. And certainly not an easy task if your primary constituency is poor. But selfishness in finances is not the plague only of those who have material wealth. We are all wired for self-centeredness, rich and poor, with a natural bent towards thinking primarily of ourselves. Our wants. Our needs. Again, we are all naturally this way, even Presidents of non-profits like me. We would never choose to live by faith when we could store up barns full of grain for the future, right? Who would do that? We like security, not faith and risk.

Churches are the same way. They operate on budgets, and when those budgets aren't met, they ask for more money. Sometimes its so they can keep paying salaries and keep ministry going. Other times they aren't willing to cut the luxuries or "fluff" in the budget because it keeps people coming on Sundays. Many other times its so they can build a new building (we don't call them "buildings" though. We like to refer to them as "Worship Centers". Nobody wants to pay for dirt and brick and sheetrock and lights and a stage and a sound system. But there is something rather noble about helping to pay for a big room where God can come join us on Sundays). But enough sarcasm.

However, when that offering plate is passed and the result is less than desirable, many resort to "guilt-tripping". That's when they make you feel bad for not coughing up the cash, and there's an entire ecclesiastical sub-culture devoted to helping pastors persuade their congregations to write big checks - conferences, seminars, experts (consultants) who come to your church, etc. And they're pretty effective too, though it can provoke the same feeling you get after leaving that Condominium Time Share Presentation ("Wait, did I just write them a check for $1,200?").

For some churches, individuals and organizations, raising funds is relatively effortless. These people have a gift at getting people to write checks - even if its for the most ludicrous things. Some who raise funds are successful because they are networked with people who have "deep pockets", or they know that one "really rich guy" who can help keep the church or ministry going. This isn't necessarily bad, but it does  helps keep that 80/20 principle alive (80% of the budget is provided by 20% of the people). This also makes the little guy feel like his small gift isn't really that important, which in strict terms of percentage of money, it may not be. But God never says anything about "giving percentages" in the New Testament. Not one single verse about the "tithe". He simply instructs believers to give "as the Lord has prospered" (I Cor. 16:2). It's never been about the amount in God's eyes. It's always been about the sacrifice. Never equal giving. Always equal sacrifice. That's the New Testament way. That's part of what it means to be a disciple.

Sometimes God asks you do do without something so someone else can survive or even prosper. And sometimes that sacrifice hurts. Sometimes it hurts a lot, and you feel the hit for months. But it's possible that the ones you are blessing with your money have sacrificed themselves for your sake. What have they done without, given up or given to you so that you could prosper spiritually? Is it possible that God wants you to meet the degree of their spiritual sacrifice with a physical/financial one of your own? (Gal 6:6-9)

So here we are, in the Christmas season - the season of giving, not getting. Your church may be doing well financially, but is your pastor ok? How 'bout his family? Have you thought about those missionaries living abroad or even in your own city? Has a ministry blessed your family or children? Has someone made a visible and real difference in your life?

And if so, what are you going to do about it today?

You hearing bells?