True Sacrifice?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about sacrifice. In our current religious culture we talk of sacrificing time and money and everything else to further the kingdom of God, to help our fellowmen. We tend to think of paying a full tithe as a sacrifice not to mention the fast offerings, donations to missionary funds, friends of scouting, and any other worthy cause. But can these truly be considered sacrifices?

In some instances, absolutely. But I’ve been looking at my own life, my own discipleship. Can I consider these sacrifices when it all comes back in taxes? We take full advantage of the government’s willingness to recognize charitable giving. About a month ago I read an article that discussed an idea, supposedly on the table, to curb tax breaks on charitable donations. I didn’t study up any more on this and I have no idea how valid the assertion is, but it got me thinking. If we were no longer able to take a tax break for our tithing, how would that affect the members? Do we have sufficient faith to rely solely on the Lord and His promises? Have we trusted too much in the arm of flesh and simply “loaned out” our charitable donations? Losing this benefit would be a trial of faith for many and I began to imagine the impact it would have. Could this be another way in which the wheat will be divided from the tares?

I’ve thought long and hard about this potential scenario, measuring my emotions, my depth of testimony in comparison to my level of fear. It would, no doubt, put a strain on our finances that are stretched pretty thin as it is. But do I have sufficient faith to continue stalwart no matter the cost? What would we have to give up and would that loss be worse than losing the blessings the Lord has promised His faithful?

No. I know the value of those promised blessings. I know the Lord will not leave us helpless and I know He has a better plan. It’s up to us to trust in that plan.

I love how the Lord prepares us for all things. We need only pay attention and be open to the promptings placed before us. This random article on the internet, these thoughts for the last few weeks, both were given in an effort to prepare my heart. And though I don’t know if this preparation culminates in the understanding I have right now, or if this understanding is also in preparation for something more…I’m grateful for the opportunity to see it.

Last night during the adult session of Stake Conference, we were counseled on the blessings of giving a generous fast offering. We were told of the real hardships facing so many here in our area; how, up until this last year, we were always able to send a significant surplus to Salt Lake to bless the lives of so many outside of our immediate care. And up until this year, we were always able to care for our own. That has changed. We are now dependent on others to pull us through as we are receiving from Salt Lake.

I know there are many who struggle, but the bubble I live in currently is pretty heavy duty. The soapy walls are thick enough to obscure my vision and keep many of these hardships at an invisible distance. I don’t feel the effects and so I forget the realities all around me. I forget that the church, as an organization, has funds to support so many because of the efforts and sacrifice of people just like me. We have to step up and help. It is our duty, and it is our greatest source of blessings and joy.

My family has been functioning well on our newly established budget. The numbers are tight and every purchase is considered carefully. There isn’t any extra for extravagance, in fact, there really isn’t enough to go around, to plan for life's eventualities. But, I know the Lord is blessing us and I know that we, in turn, can bless others. I felt inspired and hopeful after our meeting last night. I was ready to double the offering we give each month. It won’t work on paper. I know I will struggle to find the numbers and the substance to back our offering, but I have already seen the Lord’s hand in our lives, His assistance in the smallest of matters. I know He will support us in this and I am excited to put that faith into action.