Think one person can't make a difference? Look at Joan of Arc, the teenager who led the resistance to the English invasion of France in the Hundred Years War; Candy Lightner who started Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); Mother Theresa, who with only her two hands, comforted thousands, perhaps millions; or your favorite teacher who took the time to teach and guide you when you needed it the most. You bet one person can make a difference and don't believe anyone who tells you any differently!
We all have the ability through our time, talent, and treasure to make the world a better place. But we can only make a difference if we get involved. Christ needs us to keep His mission alive in a troubled world. Here is where we decide whether we will use the gifts that God has given us to do something beautiful for God. Either we choose to live in a way that will magnify God's work by joining with our brothers and sisters in bringing others God's abundant love, or we decide not. This is the critical turning point. If we decide to actively participate in God's plan for salvation of the world, we will have to make a personal commitment, perhaps some sacrifice. Those who do it always discover God's generosity is never outdone!
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. " The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God. (II Corinthians 9:6-11)
| Monthly Income/Tithing | Time/Talent | ||||||
| $800 | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | 168 Hours/week | |
| 1% | $8.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 | 1.68 hours |
| 5% | $40.00 | $60.00 | $100.00 | $150.00 | $200.00 | $250.00 | 8.40 hours |
| 8% | $64.00 | $96.00 | $160.00 | $240.00 | $320.00 | $400.00 | 13.44 hours |
| 10% | $80.00 | $120.00 | $200.00 | $300.00 | $400.00 | $500.00 | 16.80 hours |
Take the time to look at how you spend the gifts God has given you. Take a step on the journey! Look at the time, talent, and treasure chart, see where you fall, and take a first step. 1% is better than none, 2% is better than 1%! Challenge yourself! Set a goal to be the person God calls you to be, in every way! You will never look back!
Rotating globe appears courtesy of: RDO Technologies