Dozens of caring and generous individuals have sent donations from the United States to Tutkutana, my ministry in Uganda. We’ve received clothing, baby formula, books, linens, and other essentials—all of which have been valuable to the East African people who received them.
One time, though, three large boxes were sent to us that caused more trouble than help. First, we had to pay a hefty duty on the boxes—based on their size and weight—before the Uganda Revenue Authority would release them to us. Then we had to spend hours weeding through the packages because they were primarily filled with dirty, useless items. It appeared that the sender had cleaned out her bathroom drawers and hastily dumped her mess into boxes to “donate” to Africa.
Though the saying goes, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” that’s not always the case. It is therefore important, as we prepare to share “the blessings the Lord gives us” (Numbers 10:32), that we apply wisdom, heart, and effort to our giving.
As you think about passing some of your possessions along, you’ll find the following biblical instructions to be helpful: “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce” (Proverbs 3:9). “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do” (Deuteronomy 15:10).Be “a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:35).
When you clean house with the intent of giving, remember to think about what the recipient might need—not just what you don’t want (Romans 12:13). Aim to be blessed by being a blessing.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 22:1-14
More:
What would make your giving as substantial as what the poor widow gave in Mark 12:41-44?
Next:
Reflect on a time when you were blessed by parting with something you knew could benefit someone else. How has God modeled generous giving to us?
Terrence Simon on September 3, 2012 at 7:52 am
Dear Robbins,
The message remember me one thing whatever we give or do for our god, just do it with full heart.
Thanks
roxanne robbins on September 3, 2012 at 9:40 am
Terrance, I needed this reminder myself today as it’s been a hard couple weeks in my Uganda neighborhood. Tired, I find it hard to devote 100% and really need to lean on the Lord for strength to give my best.
acern on September 3, 2012 at 10:39 am
Roxanne I have to say you have touched on a subject I totally agree on. My personal journey from finding Christ to being broken and picked up has led me to serve in the poor and homeless ministries. The one thing that is hard to see is what people donate thinking they are doing good. I am working on getting the message out “if you wont eat it or wear it or use it, why would you give it to someone else”
Thanks for the verses and I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless
roxanne robbins on September 3, 2012 at 10:48 am
Acern – Thanks for your thoughts. As you know, there are definitely clothes we no longer want to wear or items in our homes we’ve grown tired of that other people would value and appreciate.
A rule of thumb I’ve started to use is to make sure my gift isn’t going to require undue work for the receiving organization to repair an item before they’re able to give it away.
We have a group of flight attendants that regularly donate to our organization. I’ve been amazed at how much work the crew members put into carefully selecting items they give. They regularly ask me what we really need before they give, and they pack everything neatly and with care before sharing it with us. I’m thankful for the effort these flight attendants put into their giving. We’ve been able to bless literally hundreds of people with school supplies, toiletries, baby formula and more because of the crew members’ thoughtfulness.
We’re able to devote more time to our programs and less time cleaning and repairing donations because of the flight attendants’ courtesies.
followingHim on September 3, 2012 at 10:50 am
My Boston neighborhood has a large student population. The end of August is move-out day, and I am always shocked at the amount of very good stuff they just dump: clothing, furniture, brick-a-brack, canned food, appliances, etc. etc. (ETC!). Now that I’m retired, I have the time to drive around (before the fleet of city compactors!) and recover some of this stuff, which I take to donation agencies, etc. My daughter’s Baptist school will get 25 trash bags of clothing for their clothing drive!
People assume that college students are idealistic and “care” about the environment. I see little, if any, recycling. They are obviously governed by convenience and consumerism
I have a real mission field at my doorstep!