Cheerful Giver

I was sparked to write this post after hearing an E!News report that Garth Brooks wanted his $500,000 "donation" back from a hospital because they did not name a building after his mother. I was listening to the very short report while in the bathroom, so I researched the topic to get the real deal and details that may have been omitted by E! or missed by my ears in another room. Turns out the hospital verbally agreed to build a women's center and name it after Brooks' mother. Three years after Brooks "donated" the money, he received an e-mail saying the money would be used for "new construction." Well, its 2012 and still no women's center with his mom's name on it, so he wants his money back.

http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_19786668

What do you think? Does he have grounds to ask for his money back? It wasn't in writing, according to the report cited. He wanted to honor his mother and thought this was a way to do it. He was not seeking financial gain, so it wasn't a business deal, more of a I-am-doing-this-because deal.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7

Now, some may think that only refers to tithes, but I believe every "donation" and gift should be done cheerfully - from the heart. I'm not judging, but if Garth was really giving from the heart, wouldn't he be satisfied with any "new construction" going on at the hospital because it is for the aid and relief of the sick? When we give money to the church, can we tell them what to do? Yes, we can provide somewhat of a say in meetings, but its really up to the Pastor and church officials, much like the hospital decisions are left up to the director and board. Once you give a donation, you must let it go.

I also believe that you should give from the heart not expecting anything in return. So often, people use this as a reason and validation for following what God has commanded us to do for the church. We should not do what is right, expecting a reward. Yes, we know God will bless us, as he stated often throughout the Word, but you don't do something for that reason alone.

Now, I will admit that I am slow about tithing. One reason is because I pay all my bills automatically, so I don't sit at a table every month and write checks. So, it tends not to be something I think about doing. No excuse. I mean, if it was the mortgage that needed a check, I'd remember, right? I tend to remember at the end of the year because, well, its the end of the tax year. Though, I feel bad writing that off. Also, this year, I was blessed to make more money and now that my checks have higher significant figures, it made me pause once and wonder where the money is going at the church, but a great friend reminded me that its not my call or decision. I do what I'm instructed to do and let it go. Its not my concern what is done after that, as long as there are no obvious clues that the money is going for improper use, i.e. Pastor in a brand new Benz wearing a Movado when he used to drive an old Escort and wear Fossil.

So, I admit, I must work on my heart of gratitude and thankfulness so that when I write those checks, I am cheerful. I don't think about what God will do for me next, but I think "that's a lot of money." Instead, I should be saying, "Wow, God, if I multiply this by 10 I see how you blessed me 10 times over this year! Thank you! May I be of blessing to others now and I turn this back over to you."

Your thoughts?