Giving, Part 4

In summary of the last three posts: I think its clear that we should give (but aren't obligated to) and that we are not necessarily obligated to give 10%. In this post I want to look at who we should be giving to.

Galatians 6:6 tells us that "One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches". This verse says to me that we should give to those who teach us personally. Teaching does't have to mean you sit down across the table from someone once a week and you take notes as they speak.

I would say that, for most people, the one who teaches is a church. I would also say that many ministries all over the country (Piper, Driscoll, Keller, Chandler, etc.) have been my teachers through online sermons and blogs. Through their newsletters, the international ministry Voice of the Martyrs, teaches me (probably more than anyone on this planet) about sacrifice and living for Christ alone.

As a first order of priority I think we should be giving the most to those teachers who are feeding us directly. I would argue that sending cash to a missionary that you're kind of friends with but never actually learned much of anything from and certainly aren't currently learning from is still legitimate, but it doesn't quite fit with how I read Galatians 6:6. I think this type support lends itself to another category but shouldn't consist of our primary recipients. For example, I whole heartedly believe in the mission of Holt International...hence I support a child that they care for. But Holt International shouldn't see the largest portion of my gifts.

I think in certain situations, some people either in or soon to enter the missions field have taught us personally a TON (e.g. MKA), I think that these people can fit into our normal giving allotment. This specific point is the primary reason that got me considering this topic in the first place...so I'm looking forward to writing about it in Part 5.