Blog

It seems the US government has an endless supply of money.  They just keep sending us checks, don’t they?  Maybe like me, you are wondering how this is possible!  I mean, aren’t we trillions of dollars in debt?  And, maybe like me, you do not want another check from the government.  I have written my legislators multiple times begging them to stop sending me unsolicited checks.  Rather, just continue to guard my freedom and God-given right to work hard and earn a living wage.  

But they are not listening.  I think an entire generation of young adults and children are being programmed to adore socialism.  Why is the United States giving our children checks, for crying out loud?  Are they hoping this will solve the mental health crisis the draconian shutdowns have caused?  Are they building an expectation to look to government to meet all needs?  

Well, God only knows their motives.  And, to be sure, I am not against all governmental assistance.  For those small business owners (definitely not Planned Parenthood) who lost their livelihoods during the pandemic, I think financial help should be in order for them.  

But, dear Christian, if I may ask you to leave your conspiracy theories and political persuasions behind for just a moment, let me then offer another perspective.  Whether or not we asked for or desired these stimulus checks, isn’t it worth asking what God Almighty wants us to do with them?  After all, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), which is just a way of saying He owns it all.  So, have you prayed and asked the Lord how you might please Him in the way you spend or save these unexpected financial windfalls?  

On this Resurrection Weekend, when we celebrate the Greatest Gift ever given, let me offer some ideas on how we might honor our Righteous, Resurrected Lord with these stimulus checks:

• Tithe to your local church.  So many churches have struggled financially this past year, might this be God’s way to bless His kingdom work through the local churches?
• Tithe or give to a missionary, or to a gospel-centered missions cause.  If you do not know of any, ask your pastor.  
• Save or invest wisely.  The temptation is always to spend.  To consume it upon our lusts.  To increase our comforts and luxuries.  But the Bible is full of exhortations to save or invest wisely in order to be able to handle any future calamity (like tax hikes or another virus or just a needed automobile repair).  Please note, I am not recommending hoarding out of fear.  But rather, I am recommending a prayerful, wise savings plan.  
• Adopt a child. Adoption is such a beautiful picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  So many orphans and hurting children are waiting for loving parents to choose them, and rescue them, just like God in Christ has done for us.  Talk about kingdom impact!  Adopt a child and raise him or her in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  
• Help someone else adopt a child.  Not all of us can adopt.  But, we can all offer to financially help a couple in our church who wants to adopt or is in the process of adopting.  Maybe you can garner support from other church members to start an adoption fund to encourage and assist those adopting in your church family.  
• Plan an evangelistic outreach.  Warmer weather is upon us.  Throw a backyard BBQ and invite unchurched and lost neighbors, co-workers or friends.  Share your testimony of salvation at this event, or ask someone else from your church to do so.  These kinds of efforts are great ways to share the gospel with others, and to invite them to a worship service. 
• Start a weekly gospel Bible study.  Consider starting an Exploring Christianity class in your home, or at your work or school (after hours), or at your local YMCA.  Have snacks and refreshments ready, and provide notebooks and pens at your expense.  
• Buy door-hangers and pack them with sweet treats and gospel tracts.  Go hang them on the doors of a neighborhood with your small group from church.  
• Make welcome baskets for newcomers to your neighborhoods or communities.  New home construction is booming.  So, when you see someone move in, go make them welcome, being sure to include some gospel booklets / tracts, local church information, gift cards to local businesses, hand sanitizer, and so on. 
• Tip a local waiter or waitress generously.  Buy a large bag of coffee for First Responders and deliver it to them at the Police Station or Firehouse.  Buy lunches for ER nurses and doctors.
• Help a local gospel-driven homeless ministry or a ministry to Veterans, or a pro-life pregnancy center.  

This is just a short list.  No doubt, you will have many more creative ideas for honoring Christ with your stimulus checks.  Let’s start a movement of selfless evangelistic generosity, dear Christians.  Jesus is worth it.  Let’s show off His lavish, unmerited love toward us.  Let’s share the Gift!  

“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

by Keith McWhorter