Giving Among Christians

Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man’s true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man’s character and how he handles his money. - Richard Halverson

I have always said that the strength of a person's faith can be determined by looking at only two things – their checkbook and tax return. It is not the amount but rather how faithful one is with the resources in which God has blessed us.

Here are some facts:
•IRS – Tax returns show that giving is inversely related to income. The more income the less we give.
•Barna – 37% of people who go to church regularly give $0
•Ronsavelle – in the 1990’s, evangelical giving fell from 6.38% to 4.08% of income
•Prudential – only 8% of wills contain giving

•Only 3%-5% of those who donate money to a church tithe (give 10% of their incomes). Among evangelical, 9% tithed in 2002. (Barna)
•If Christian giving increased from 2.5% (the current rate) to 10% of income (a simple tithe), an additional $150 billion would be available for Kingdom Work.
•Most church giving comes from people over age 55.
•Howard Dayton, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, states that with many pastors, most of their giving comes from members over 65. They estimate that it takes 5 people under age 35 to replace one senior’s giving.

The Ultimate Reason for Giving: Giving breaks the power of money-God wants my heart, not my money. Matthew 6:19-24.

The average Christian continues to take a Modern and Post-modern worldview on their finances and possessions rather than a Biblical Worldview. If one continues to spend as the world does and not give as God commands there will be a constant battle between them and God. They will never reach the full potential for the blessings that God has in store for them.