Take part in your own Big Give

From the Pulpit
By Rev. Gary Hardin

On Sunday nights after church, Linda and I enjoy watching the TV shows “Extreme Home Makeover” and “Oprah's Big Give”. Both shows feature the theme of giving back, helping people less fortunate than us, doing something to make a difference, demonstrating the power of volunteerism, and reminding us that to give really is much better than to receive.

Are you aware of the considerable emphasis on giving back today? Corporations, universities, social agencies, civic clubs, businesses, sports heroes, and Hollywood stars all talk about giving back. People want to give to, and help, those in need because giving provides a sense of meaning to life. At the end of the day many people wonder what it's all about. When you give back, you know.

We might feel powerless to change the world but volunteering and giving back show us that we can make positive differences in the lives of some people. We can't solve all problems, but we can solve some of them.

As you get involved in the plight of others you meet new people, build new friendships, experience new adventures, and gain life-changing insights about yourself and others.

Of course, churches have talked about giving back for centuries. In the religious community, giving back is framed as stewardship. The word means management.
Christianity teaches that God is owner of everything. What we have actually belongs to Him. We are responsible, therefore, for the wise management of what God has allowed us to have. Stewardship involves truckloads of giving back because God Himself is a giver. God feels compassion for people in need, thus, His people (His stewards) use their resources to help alleviate people's pain.

We give back in three primary ways: make financial contributions, donate our time, or use our skills. So how do you decide what to do to give back? Ask yourself these questions: What needs and issues am I most passionate about? What life experiences have I had that have prepared me to help others? What skills, talents, and gifts do I have? What range of resources do I have? Where do I feel my time and skills could be of most use? What kind of work best suits my personality? Have I prayed about this? The Lord will lead you.

In Cherokee County large numbers of charities, agencies, schools, civic clubs, and good causes provide you with ample opportunities to get involved in giving back. Take the initiative. Find out what you can do. Stay up on the news, and look for ways to volunteer and give.

If you attend a church, your congregation's ministry provides you with dozens of opportunities for giving back. You can teach Sunday School, visit the sick, give to missions, go on missions trips, give food and clothes to the needy, provide school supplies or Christmas gifts for disadvantaged kids, care for young preschoolers during worship, cook meals, and visit those who are lonely. You get the idea. The list of ways to give back through your church is an endless list left to your creativity and God's leading in your life.

I remember a time when I was working out in a local gym. The men's locker room had lockers in which to place your clothes and valuables, but you had to insert two quarters. That day I had no change in my pocket. I asked the guys in the locker room if any of them had change for a dollar, and explained my need for two quarters. Immediately a fellow handed me two quarters. I assured him I would pay him back. He said something I'll never forget: “Don't worry about it. What goes around comes around.”

Jesus taught a similar truth when He said, “Give and it will be given to you.” You don't have Oprah Winfrey's resources or Ty Pennington's connections, but you do have some money, some skills, and some time that could be used to create your own Big Give.

Gary Hardin is pastor of Enon Grove Baptist Church in Cedar Bluff. He and his wife, Linda, live in Centre. Comments can be sent to: garyhardin@tds.net.