By: Annie
I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
~ Matthew 25:40, NIV
A couple of weeks ago, different news outlets quietly mentioned that Canadians were giving more. BMO had commissioned a poll that found charitable giving had increased 8%. What really got my attention were the numbers in dollar figures: in 2013, Canadians, on average, donated $624. For those of you who tithe, you’ll recognize how dramatic a figure this is. It lends credence to Pastor Tim’s anecdote last Sunday that we, as followers of Christ, lead very different lives.
Philanthropy is a hot topic this month in non-profit circles. November 15th was National Philanthropy Day, The Walrus held a talk last night about current trends in giving, and it’s the holidays. The Salvation Army has rolled out their ads on public transit, radio, and television to raise funds; toy drives are beginning; malls will be hosting gift wrapping services in support of various charities; and there are a couple of movements trying to gain traction post-Black Friday: Giving Tuesday and The Advent Conspiracy.
In conversations about charitable giving, experts continually mention how giving is being democratized. The more successful campaigns are those where donors are actively involved; think Movember or the Ice Bucket Challenge. Fewer of us give out of duty (like tithing to the church) while more of us give when we are actively involved.
None of this changes my personal perspective on how I live out the gospel. For me, it serves as a reminder that my faith, the mission Jesus called us to, isn’t passive. It’s not about simply saying the Sinner’s Prayer to guarantee a more comfortable afterlife; but being an active participant in God’s redemption of our broken world. We should take our cue from the Bible that consistently tells us to care for the marginalized and, moreso, that’s how Jesus lived.