God Squad

Americans gave more than $358 billion to charities in 2014, an impressive number when you consider our economy. As a nation with stagnant salaries and rising cost of living expenses, $358 billion is quite a hefty sum, a figure that represents an incredible feat of generosity, one that deserves a deeper look.

When you dig into the total by category, you find that religious organizations received the most donations. Religious groups garnered 32 percent of the total.

Generous giving of that magnitude creates a lot of attention in the news. The talking heads on television continue to discuss the story. They don’t know how to interpret the information. They point to foundations, museums, scientific studies, and research hospitals as worthy causes for such giving, but for many reason religious groups seem like an odd place for people to send that level of financial support. They scratch their heads as they try to figure out why people give and sacrifice in this manner.

To me, the answer is quite clear. Churches, charities, missions, and religious organizations are performing the work of Christ.

Religious organizations feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, care for the sick, give comfort to the wounded, share hope with the broken-hearted, and minister to our souls. Significant acts like these will always mean more to people than receiving a tax deduction. It causes us to open our wallets. It enables us to volunteer and assist others in their time of need. It allows us to reflect Christ in a dark world.

As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, remember religious organizations, charities, and churches when you give. Armed forces personnel can give through the Combined Federal Campaign with payroll deductions. Odds are there is a charity that could use your assistance. Your financial support, no matter how great or small, allows people to share the redemptive story of Jesus and perform the loving work of our gracious God.