The Benefits of Giving

I saw a report on one of those morning news shows given by the science editor. His big news was that giving is good for our health. "I guess science is catching up with the Bible," he told the anchor person. He went on to make two points: (1) The act of giving causes the body to release endorphins, those natural feel-good chemicals; (2) people who are consistent givers live longer lives.

It's good to have the authority of science to back up the truths our parents taught us. Still, the lessons I learned at home and in Sunday School focused on aspects of giving other than self-interest. I wasn't taught to give to secure some personal benefit, but rather as a response to all the good that had already been done for me. I wasn't shown how to be generous in order to help myself, but because it would help someone else.

Our scientist-reporter mentioned one other important thing. Studies show that the benefits of giving are not derived from occasional good deeds, writing a check to a charity or donating a meal to a soup kitchen. The key to a long and happy life is consistent caring, demonstrated in persistent deeds of love and kindness. True givers are in it for the long haul, not isolating their giving to a season or a closed set of people. They live generous lives, taking their cues from God, the first and most generous giver of all.

We are now entering the "Commitment Campaign" time in our church. On Consecration Sunday, November 17, we will be asked not for a one-time contribution, but to make a commitment for an entire year. Last year's efforts brought a very generous response and helped us throughout the year. More and more of us are seeing that stewardship is not just about dropping a check in the offering plate, but is a commitment to a way of life that lives in harmony with God's gracious nature and loving purposes for the world.

We are now poised for significant growth at Mary Taylor. We are reaching out to the community and new people continue to join us. Many of you are "fishing" now, asking others to come to church and hear the Good News that the Light of Christ is still burning bright here on Earth and especially here at church. We are hoping to begin new ministries this year, such as another worship opportunity and working with and serving those in need in our community in new ways.

We would not be at this point without the sacrificial giving of a very generous congregation. Even in these tight financial times, we have decided that we want to grow—spiritually and numerically—and we are backing it up with our resources.

As you approach the call to give this year, I ask that you think about not only the church's needs but also your own. Giving is good for the soul. A generous heart is a healthy heart. And, though you may not necessarily live a longer life, it will be a better and more fulfilling one. That is the wonderful irony of the Gospel: Givers end up being the biggest receivers of all.

Faithfully,

Pastor Roy

P.S. Click the picture or link below to read the full November 2024 edition of The Beacon. 

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