An Opportunity for Witness
Chuck Colson's recent BreakPoint commentary was on an often overlooked opportunity for witness. Here are some highlights.
Giving in Hard Times
An Opportunity for WitnessDecember 17, 2009
It’s hard to ignore the cheerful tinkling of the Salvation Army bells at Christmastime—or not to drop a gift in the plate for the special foreign missions offering Christmas Eve.
But there’s something about the Christmas season that awakens our generosity. After all, God did not spare His own Son, but gave Him as a gift that first Christmas, and how can we not likewise show generosity to others?
But this Christmas, Americans, worried about their finances, are clinging tighter than ever to their wallets. An AP news report recently revealed that while the same number of Americans are still giving to charity, they are giving far less. For many churches and non-profits, the report explains, “the need for their services is increasing at the same time donations are decreasing.”
...It’s not that Christians somehow weathered storms like the Great Depression unscathed. Instead, they invited hungry neighbors to their table when they themselves were struggling. They did this because this is how Jesus taught us to live.
But through such hard times, God gives the Church a tremendous opportunity to show the culture what we value most and where our ultimate trust resides.
...I want to challenge you to make the most of the opportunity we have in these kinds of times.
As we give sacrificially, let’s demonstrate to a watching world that there is a treasure that is dearer and better than anything this world treasures. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ.
Treasure Him this Christmas by sharing your earthly treasure with those who need it most.