DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I always get letters from charities and religious organizations this time of year begging for money, and I just throw them out. I don’t think they ought to keep asking for money all the time. — K.H.
DEAR K.H.: Let me ask you a question: What if you were homeless, and your local shelter said they couldn’t take you in because they no longer had money to operate? What if you and your family were starving because of a severe drought, but the mission agency that had helped you in the past had been forced to leave the country because they didn’t have the finances?
God’s work requires many things: wise spiritual leadership, clear biblical goals, people who will pray, effective strategies, and so forth. But it also requires money — and without it, God’s work simply would not get done. Even Jesus’ little band of disciples required financial support; several wealthy women, the Bible says, “were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:3).
Everything you have comes from God. Why, then, hold on to it as if it were strictly yours? No, you probably can’t give to every organization that needs support. But ask God to guide you to those you should help. Many organizations depend heavily on year-end giving to meet their budgets.
Yes, giving our money is important. But the most important thing you can give to God is yourself! God has blessed us with many gifts, but the greatest gift of all is the gift of his son, Jesus Christ. This Christmas receive his gift by inviting Christ to come into your heart, and then giving your life to him. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Write “My Answer,” Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; or go to BillyGraham.org.
Tribune Media Services 12/13
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