Notre Dame University’s Science of Generosity Initiative (http://generosityresearch.nd.edu/) has recently shone a light upon American’s notions and habits with regards to generosity and giving. Some of their findings include[i]:
- About two-thirds of Americans agree that it is very important to be a generous person
- Americans perceive themselves as a generous nation
- 45% of Americans gave no money to charity in the previous year (including a staggering 40% of those who said a generous self-identity was important to them!)
- Less than 25% of Americans gave more than $500 annually.
- In short, a relatively small number give freely and generously whilst most give little to nothing
I am not necessarily surprised by these results, but do find it very interesting to have such a significant gap between ideals and self-perception and the cold hard facts. What is behind this gap between intention and action? Often it comes down to perception again: too often those who are able to give do not see themselves as part of the solution. Giving is for “rich people” and, of course, they do not see themselves as rich. Did you know that to be in the top 50% of world citizens in terms of net assets (value of all assets including your home, car, accounts etc less your debt) all you need to your name is $3,210. Just $68,800 in net assets places you in the wealthiest 10%. The picture below illustrates the wealth level of the average person by country with the yellow nations representing the wealthiest and the blue and green the least.
We can all find people close to us who seem to have more than ourselves if we wish to compare to neighbours, friends, or family. However, the fact remains that Canadians, in general, are amongst the wealthiest citizens of our planet. Moreover, as Christians, the Lord prepares us for and calls us toward a life of generosity. One of our stated values as a church is that we would be radically generous. Our perception of ourselves and our capacity to give and serve needs to be challenged. Our value statement on this matter reads:
“We have received radical grace from God through the exchange of our sins for Christ’s righteousness. We therefore seek to overflow in a wealth of generosity in order to bless others because we are satisfied in God. A lifestyle of radical generosity demonstrates that Jesus is our treasure.” (Scriptures: Eph 2:4-5; Matt 22:39; Acts 20:35; Matt 10:8; 2 Cor 8:1-2)
Can you see how treasuring Christ and recognizing his radical gift to us would help us to honour him in how we use all of the resources he grants to us – be it spiritual, financial, relational, intellectual, social or such like? This Sunday, we are privileged to have Compassion Canada come to share some of the opportunities we have as a church and individuals to help those who are less fortunate. In the meantime, may I ask you to evaluate that which you treasure in this life?
Much love,
Pastor Gary
[i] Herzog and Price. American Generosity: Who Gives and Why.(Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016)
As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.