Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth

That verse just means 'don't brag about your deeds'

 

for me personally, (not prescribing this for all) this means I choose to not claim any gifts for tax purposes. I give cash for everything. I put a "name" on the envelope I use...if anyone questions my giving as a staff member, I could tell our financial secretary, and she could vouch for me. That allows me to be accountable, but keep the spirit of this verse.

Oh, and this verse puts a HUGE dent in many church's practice of letting folks give and have a plaque made on their "item." I hate that, and think it goes against the spirit of this verse.

Then again, maybe I'm just a cranky old goat. :tongue3:

 

Jeep Dragon said:

I am very curious as to the meaning of not letting our left hand know what our right hand does and the overall application this is to our giving practices.

Jesus is condemning the hypocrites who trumpet their generosity in public so everyone can see how much they Care.

By contrast, Jesus is saying that if we are going to give charity, just give it without concern with who sees you. Be discreet: in fact, you should be so discreet it's as if one side of your body doesn't know what the other side is doing. It's hyperbole. (Of course he doesn't mean you should treat your giving like a raffle by dipping into your wallet and slip whatever bills come up at random on the offering plate. Wise stewards keep track of their money.)

 

I simply place cash in the basket, so I can't claim it for tax purposes. Should that motivate people to give? I also don't see the purpose of separating your gift into an envelope (unless you have to mark it so that it goes to a special project); that way everything just kind of assimilates into one pile, and no one knows how much anyone actually gave--only what the total is. No one knows how much the salary of an individual is (by assuming a check or an envelope is a calculated "tithe"). Everyone just contributes anonymously to the big picture... in an eerie, almost "communistic" sort of way.

 

I feel strongly about how I do the giving thing...but if another person feels comfortable with the tax issue, OK by me. I think God knows I need my motives to be pure, and that might test them...

 

I do realize that as a staff member, there is a bit of gray area regarding accountability. That is why I put a "name" on the envelope...if allows me to, if absolutely needed, show someone that I give. (though I can't think of too many scenarios where that would be necessary)

 

*** double post ***

 

AresMan asked:

I simply place cash in the basket, so I can't claim it for tax purposes. Should that motivate people to give?

Well, part of the purpose of the tax break for charitable giving is to encourage people to donate money.

Besides, Jesus said to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. If Caesar says that giving entitles me to a little tax credit, I don't see any moral problem with claiming it on my return.

 

and I think that's fine. I have a feeling I'm of a "weaker conscience" in this area. Maybe my motive for giving goes sideways easier than some folks...so for me, there's an extra emphasis on "anonymous."

 

In the past I put cash in the plate also. I now use a check with envelope.

It must be unique to around here, but sometime I see pastors have all the $100 givers come around. Then the $50 etc... I will usually go with the general offering and still give the $100 or whatever they are asking for. I just don't want to be associated or give approval to that act.

Billy Graham once said in regards to this verse, "God has given us two hands—one for receiving and the other for giving." I don't really go for it but it sounds like Graham.

The spirit of giving or the heart by which one gives is important to God. One reason is if you give in your name, then God, who is the true provider of what you give does not get credit.

I usually like to go back to Caan and Abel for this subject. One sacrifised and gave from the heart the first fruit. In other words he gave without even knowing if there would be enough left for himself but having trusting faith in God that he would supply here every need. The other examined the gift, checked out his financial situation and gave what he didn't want or "need". God does not need out left overs! What is God going to do with a bunch of old fruit or mangie animals? What is God going to do with a Dollar? Any Church that counts on your dollar is in the wrong relation with Christ. God is giving us the opportunity to do what is right, to give and obey his will and to be a blessing to our fellow man. I don't take this priviledge lightly...

 

rbell said:

Maybe my motive for giving goes sideways easier than some folks...so for me, there's an extra emphasis on "anonymous."

Well, even the early church's giving wasn't entirely anonymous. Look at the story of Ananias and Sapphira: the believers were bringing large sums of money to the apostles, who were keeping track (hence the basis of their question to Sapphira, proving that she and her husband had colluded to deceive the church).

But I understand where you're coming from, and to an extent I agree. If I should forget to bring my church envelope, if I'm carrying my usual giving amount in cash, I just leave it on the plate. It's no big deal to me.

 

I see the point there and agree; nothing wrong with that. However, it also seems that some may refuse to give if they are not prepared to give by check. I notice some may give the monthly check faithfully for regular church expenses, yet a big missions project comes along, and if the checkbook is not there, nothing will come out, because it can't go on the records for tax purposes. I guess my point is balance and the possibility of being spontaneous should a need arise.

 

Ummmmmmm, Jeep Dragon----would you like to demonstrate that idea----Just open your wallet and give ----- to Blackbird-----without really trying to concentrate on a specific amount!!!!! And he'll even let you keep the change!!!!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

I guess the following sort of goes with the subject of giving, or at least generosity.

What about tipping? I once heard a young lady give a "testimony" about a conversation she had with a waitress about what bad customers "church people" were. She talked about how restaurant workers preferred the drunks and party people on Friday and Saturday nights to the church-goers on Sunday afternoons because the drunks were much more generous and easier to get along with.

A dear friend and brother made the comment "I only give God 10% so why should I give some waitress more than that?"

Something's wrong with this picture I think.

Seems to me that we should be showing the world a generous and open-handed Jesus.

Les