Generosity

I warned you. I am extending Autumn well into winter.

The annual giving statistics for Canada were released this week and for the ninth year in a row, our community has ranked #1 in giving. In fact we are triple the national average! There is probably a good explanation for this 'feather in our hat'. We are, on average, a wealthy community and most of us can afford to give. But what I think is the biggest factor is the that we are a christian community. By that, I mean that we have a very high ratio of churches and above average church attendance. Christians, who are following the Biblical mandate will give 10% of their income without question. Not all do, but you can imagine that even if a small percentage of them do, it will boost the averages.

This begs an important question. If this giving is in large part as a result of Biblical principles, another principle from the same Bible must be considered. The words in the 'Good Book' are clear that when we give, it will be given back, running over and in great abundance. The question then is: Do we give because we are wealthy, or are we wealthy because we give? Not that getting should influence our giving, but something for those who are 'cheaping out' to consider.