Put the Joy Back in Giving

My friend Lynn and I give each other some awesome gifts.  One year, she gave me a slightly scary holographic-like Jesus nightlight.  Then I bought her some “Believe in Jesus Breath Spray” – and all her evangelism fears miraculously vanished (it’s a powerful spray).  Well, this year, Lynn reached a pinnacle in our gift giving.  Because, as you can see in the picture, she gave me a “Jesus Saves” bank, though mine is in a much more fabulous Statue of Liberty green (because personally, I don’t think Jesus would have worn pink, green is more His color). 

The bank is pure inspiration – and while some might consider it sacrilegious, I firmly believe Jesus is having a good laugh over it (though I’ll never be sure til I reach that great bye and bye).  Perhaps that’s what’s missing during our offering times…a sense of joy, a sense of humor, a sense of something completely out of the ordinary. 

What would happen if one Sunday, rather than sending around the offering plate (it’s so yesterday) you passed the Jesus bank?  People would sit up and take notice. They’d have to look, put Jesus up to their ear, have a listen to what He might say, and think about what they were putting in His bank.  Maybe, they’d be inspired, have a good laugh and be reminded of that great scripture in 2 Corinthians 9:7:  “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  Giving should be a joy-filled experience – not a sad sack one.  It’s an amazing opportunity to return to God a portion of all that has been so generously given to us. 

Jesus saves, indeed!