Is there a cause and effect relationship?

[Dave McClung]

All of my life I have heard preachers say, "You should never give with the expectation of getting..." In principle, I agree with the statement, but I think there is a good bit of evidence that there is a cause and effect relationship between giving and getting -- at least that seems to be my experience.

I could share a number of personal experiences, but I will share just one. Yesterday, after praying about what we should do, Linda and I made a donation to Brad Mercer's medical fund. We did it with no expectation of personal benefit -- not even a tax deduction.

Well, today the stock market had quite a rally. In one day the value of our investment accounts increased significantly more than the donation we made -- about 10 times as much. All day, I have been wondering if there is a connection between our donation and the increase in value of our investments.

Several times I have heard the same preachers who said, "Don't give to get." say "You can't out give God." What say you?

[Wilson L. Deaton]

The last week or so I've quoted Gandhi a lot. Bear with me as I do so yet again.

He said, “We may not look forward to any reward from our labours but it is my firm conviction that all good action is bound to bear fruit in the end.”

I believe this statement would be just as true regarding giving rather than labours.

On the theology board we've been discussing, "A man reaps what he sows." The discussion has been more with regard to sin and judgment but I think the principle applies here. Paul actually says it a context differently from the one we are discussing the theology board. In another place he actually says, 2 Corinthians 9:6, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Like the Kingdom of God in general, this likely has both present and future connotations.

(For the record, for those who are groaning that I've mentioned Gandhi again: I do still give the Bible more authority than Gandhi.)

Wilson

[Barb Bouldrey]

Dave,

Our district NMI council decides each year where to send some of our administrative balance. We want to use what the local churches give to missions for missions, not let it accumulate in a bank. Our local churches are so faithful in meeting their district missions budget and I try to be very frugal with district funds so that we always have extra to use.

Every year we give and give. When the next meeting comes we have more to give and we are always operating in the black.

When Stephen called from Germany one Sunday in April of 2004 and asked us to come, we left the very next Sunday for a week in Germany. God put it all together and the money we did not have the first Sunday was there by the next Sunday.

When we commented on how God put that trip together for us, our son said, "But Dad and Mom, you have always been generous to God and to others, so God took care of you."

Our former D.S. Jack Eyestone always says, "The pipe coming in is determined by the pipe going out."

I do not believe in giving $100 in order to gain $1000. We give out of a willing cheerful heart and God returns our giving in many more ways than finances.

Your situation did not happen by chance.

Barb

[Stan Self]

Dave,

While I rejoice in the rally induced increase in your investment portfolio, I rejoice more for the heart of compassion displayed by your gracious giving. As for any connection, it seems to me the example given is much like the rain that falls on the just and on the unjust (Matt 5:45). Many that did not, and maybe would not, contribute to a worthy cause, similarly saw their investments grow. Or maybe I am wrong. Perhaps they owe you a big "Thank You!";)

[Mark Doble]

While prompted by the Spirit to give ,God's timing is always perfect! :fav18

[Ryan Scott]

We did it with no expectation of personal benefit -- not even a tax deduction.


I think that's the key. If we look at the phrase you quoted as meaning you should never expect to get something when you give, then it's just unrealistic. Certainly generosity breeds the same in others and often things return to you unexpectedly.

I think a better way to look at the statement is that you have to give out of pure motives. Generosity is not the same as investment; we give without expecting a return, but that doesn't mean the "getting" won't happen.

[Jim Franklin]

Thank God for your compassion and financial acumen.

[Dennis M. Scott]

The same God Who led you to give enabled you to. He has enabled so you can obediently respond. My observation is that it is likely He'll do so again.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:21

Cause and effect? I don't know.

Cause and consistency. I know God's like that.

Years ago, while in seminary, Linda and I were literally down to our last five dollars. We scraped together every penny we could find so we could buy some baby food on the way home from church. Traci was three months old. We attempted to not let very many people know of our dilemna. Family was helping as much as they could, but the job situation was pretty dire. During the service that evening, Pastor Millard Reed took a special offering, saying that in individual in the local body had a major financial need, and he was just asking our people to respond. Linda and I looked at each other and knew immediately that we were to put in the few dollars we had left. It was not only a step of faith for us, but we didn't know where Traci's next meal was coming from. We put in every penny, knowing the Lord would do something. As we were getting in our car to leave following the service, one of the ushers approached and said, "Here, the pastor said to give you this." In the large envelope was the offering.

The next day Dale Harris, the usher from church called, and arranged for me to have a job at the Ford Assembly plant in Claycomo, where I worked throughout my time at NTS.

To this day I don't know how Dr. Reed knew.

Well, maybe I do.