IN 300 - 400 words respond to the following:

1. List and briefly explain the five good reasons to give. What are some reasons people dont give more than they do?

2. What steps can you take now to begin your giving plan?

Textbook Materials

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:35-40 (New International Version)

Many years ago, an author of this course was traveling across a large city in India, heading to a meeting with leaders of a key supplier of raw materials to his employer. The cityscape was punctuated with illustrations of extreme poverty.

Cardboard box villages climbed the hillsides.

The executive driving the car, a high-end Mercedes-Benz, noticed the author taking in the sights. He commented, I hate to see such suffering. India is a country of great need, but there just isnt anything we can do.

The immediate thought that popped into the authors head was: Well, you could start by selling this car!

It is easy to find reasons not to give. Even in a country as prosperous as the United States, we become cynical and hardened against the needs around us. We may feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the scale of the hardships we see or even reach a point where we effectively become blind to them. And yet, each of us has been touched by the kindness and generosity of others, and most of us will be served by at least one charitable organization during our lifetimes.

An effective personal financial plan gives us the resources, and therefore the opportunity, to minister to others, and also to express our gratitude. Are you accepting the call to serve, or are there excuses?