Guilt guilt guilt

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (New King James Version)

 

Not that I don’t think it’s great for Christians to serve, quite the opposite.  I hope to be a servant for the Lord as well as I hope to teach my children to serve.  I learned recently of the Advent Conspiracy and the One campaign, as well as other organizations.  The emergent/emerging church is very much into serving and giving.  Giving is good.  However, it’s often giving based on guilt.  We’re told shopping for Christmas presents for our families is wrong, give money instead to make wells in Africa.  Yes, lets make wells in Africa.  However, I think it best not to guilt us into giving.  Be led by the Spirit to give.  Don’t give out of obligation or bitterness, not because we’re better than another.  Don’t give to free you up from  your capitalist guilt.  Be a cheerful giver in service to Christ or don’t give at all. 

I want to be a blessing because Christ is a blessing to me.  I want to honor God, and be like Christ.   If I give, believe me, no slick ad got me to do it.

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