Words for Christian Hearts – Giving Generously
In a recent article I read from All About God, I was struck by the supposition that Christian charity manifests in varying acts, gifts or ways of life. Some believe it is simply showing love to the poor, while others feel that Christians are called to show the love of Christ through their daily lives. We can all agree that showing the love of God through charitable acts is something all Christians are called to do. In short, giving is simply a way of life for Christians.
There are limitless opportunities to exercise Christian charity. Whether you choose to donate to the less fortunate, volunteer at a soup kitchen, write encouraging notes, give to your church or a non-profit organization, there are opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others all around us. In Luke 21:1-4, the writer beautifully illustrates giving abundantly from the blessings God has given us. Jesus compares the widow’s mite to the rich man’s gifts demonstrating that God expects gifts of substance not surplus, regardless of the monetary size.
As your family considers where to make an impact this year, I encourage you to also consider a gift to Christian education. Education is seen as a way to change the world, but Christian education is changing the world for Christ. Prattville Christian Academy is changing our world one student at a time. There are countless stories that I can share about how God is impacting PCA and its people to make our world a better and brighter place. I recall this particular story as if it happened just yesterday. After graduation, a father sought me out to offer his heartfelt and tearful appreciation for the impact that PCA had on his child. As a freshman, this student had befriended the wrong crowd and succumb to negative peer pressure. Prior to being enrolled at PCA, she was consistently making poor choices that would have led her down a path of eventual destruction. Through PCA’s Bible-based approach to education and Christian culture, she encountered Christ in a profound and personal way. PCA was able to provide the opportunity for her to learn more about God and His plan for her life. This student and so many others have been transformed through the ministry opportunity we call Prattville Christian Academy.
The Panther One Hundred, PCA’s Annual Fund, allows us to continue our mission and create more stories of changed lives. We are equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. Regardless of where students choose to go in life, we want them to be unwavering in their knowledge of who Christ is and what He desires for our lives. The Panther One Hundred is PCA’s only school-wide fundraiser that provides funding for projects that tuition and fees can’t support alone. It allows us to take Christian education to the next level through enhancements of all facets of the student experience.
Demonstrating Christian charity by giving to the Panther One Hundred, PCA’s Annual Fund, does not require that you be rich and give a large amount of money, it simply requires that you be generous with the resources God has given you. You can make a difference in this ministry with gifts of all sizes. What you give has eternal implications. Will you join me in making a difference by giving to this year’s annual fund campaign?
My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
Thank you for reading!
Ron Mitchell, Ed.D.
President
