Charitable Giving
Nothing invites more conversation than the subject of Charitable Giving. A simple search on Google will yield over 1.6 million results. Every where you look you can find opportunities for giving, but the real question is, “Why should I?” Well, we can’t answer that question for you. In fact, we can’t, and we won’t, tell you what to do at all. That’s entirely up to you. What we can do is tell you our own beliefs and philosophies on the subject.
First, we don’t expect you (or us) to give it all away. That’s not what it’s about. The Bible (our favorite personal development book – essentially where it all started) lists over 2000 entries discussing wealth and prosperity. Its clear God wants you, and us, to be prosperous. It’s always been our belief, that you can’t help anyone if you’re broke. Sure, you could go and donate your time to the Peace Corps if that’s what you want to do. Or, you could put yourself in a position to provide the income that supports organizations like the Peace Corps, AND a whole host of others. That’s our choice. It just so happens that we also live by the basic tenant that if you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get everything you want. It’s about being in service to others, and the more people you are in service to, the more prosperous you will be.
Second, we’re strong believers in tithing. Now being strong believers in something and actually practicing
it are two different things. We fully admit that we weren’t strong in this area, and kind of made up the rules as we went along, i.e., when we felt like we had enough money, or if there weren’t any competing priorities, then we gave. Then recently, we came across an excellent DVD entitled “The Blessed Life” which really opened our eyes (and hearts and minds) to the true meaning of tithing. Click here for an excellent description on tithing and its importance.
Third, we’re strong believers in giving above and beyond. This means that while a tithe is 10% usually given to your church or other religious institution, we believe in giving at least an additional 10% (we can thank Pastor Robert Morris for that. For every income increase we receive, no matter what the source, at least an additional 10% beyond our tithe will go to one of the many charities we support.
Last, but not least, if you’re interested in leveraging your wealth with other like minded people to contribute on a global scale, we encourage you to visit a site like Charity Navigator to find a cause that moves you and inspires you.
With God (& Giving) All Things Are Possible!
Be Blessed,
Chris & Julie Chojnowski