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AFA JournalMONEYRender unto CaesarGlen FradenburgAFA Foundation Director AFA Journal, August 2001 Edition A recent Barna survey revealed that charitable giving dropped significantly in the past year. Approximately six percent of people attending Christian churches actually gave one-tenth of their income, compared to the 17% who claimed to tithe. I’m reminded that on the day we die, each of us will make a charitable gift – voluntarily or involuntarily. In other words, I can’t take my wealth with me, so it will be transferred to: (1) family or other individuals, (2) charity, or (3) government. And since the government has capped the amount that can be transferred to individuals without either paying a tax or making a charitable gift, the question is, who should receive our charitable gifts? Jesus said in Matthew 22:21, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” But how do we know what is Caesar’s and what is God’s? Scripture helps us. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Therefore, since God is the owner of all, should we not, as obedient stewards, transfer as much as we can to Kingdom purposes, rather than hoarding it or paying it to the government through taxes that may be optional? Of course, we should provide for our families through a well-designed estate plan. That’s a given. But by giving to Kingdom causes, we as Christians can show a lost and dying world that our treasures are not in this world, but in Heaven. The AFA Foundation can help you create and achieve stewardship goals that honor both God and family. Call us at 800-326-4543, ext. 206. |
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