Generosity of Heart

There is a striking example of God's provision in Matthew chapter 17, and it can be instructive for us to recognize that He wants us to surrender our financial stewardship to Him. The Scriptures say:
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?"
25 He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?"
26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."

We live in times of economic uncertainty, and perhaps you have found that your buying power is not what it used to be. When we calculate our overall economic equation, we should make sure that charitable giving is not only part of it, but the foundational component, as the Scriptures direct us. 

The Barna Group has published some research and it states in a summary article that members of Generation Z "recognize that their generous reputation is only just taking shape." It goes on to say that, "Boomers and Elders feel that, all things considered, they can stay consistent in their levels of charitable giving. But younger adults, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are more likely than their elders to believe the economic moment calls for them to be more generous than usual in their contributions to nonprofits."

Questions were asked with this preface: "Given your personal financial situation at the moment, and your perception of current economic conditions, do you feel this is a good time to..."

The end of one question was, "Be more generous than usual in donating to non-profit organizations."

37 percent of Gen Z said yes, compared to 35% of Millennials, 28% of the age group known as "Elders," 25% of Gen X and only 12 percent of Boomers.

61% of Boomers said they should maintain the status quo. 

But, conversely, when asked if they should be "less generous," considering personal and societal economic circumstances, 30% of Gen Z affirmed that position, the highest percentage of the five groups.  The smallest percentage belonged to the "Elders," at 18%.

And, there is seemingly a strategy involved.  The Barna summary relates:

When it comes to money matters, young adults appear to be doing their homework, gleaning financial information from many sources, especially those that are relational or online. When asked where they learn about finances, Gen Z (58%) and Millennials (49%) point to a network of close friends and family as the first stop. Internet research is also a common financial teacher for half of adults in younger generations (48% and 49%, respectively).

Specifically, with regard to giving, the Barna summary states, "Barna data finds that most people do their homework before they open their wallets (or click on their mobile payment app of choice)—everyone is a “researcher” before becoming a donor, regardless of age. In fact, four in five adults among Gen Z (81%) and Elders (80%) alike report researching organizations and charities before choosing to offer financial support."

Three main categories - propensity to give, research about money in general, and research on specific recipients.  And, younger people are demonstrating a significant level of involvement in charitable giving. Now, this is not a survey of Christians, but it can be challenging for Christian believers.  Even though our personal circumstances may change, and even during difficult economic times, it's been taught that we can be devoted to finding a way to be involved in giving.

I think this can be the challenge we embrace during these times in which economic conditions are strained. It takes more to buy most, it seems. That leaves those who don't have a lot in an unfortunate situation.  I think the Church can stand ready to assist those who are in financial peril - and if you find yourself in economic hardship, don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help - not necessarily to ask for money, but to ask for prayer for wisdom and perhaps even provision.  We can be forthright in calling on the Lord, in asking Him to be involved in our financial situations.