Charity.

Hello there, old friends.  I haven't written a blog post since January and I am deeply sorry - my life has been a little hectic and I simply have not had the time! Anyway, back to the matter in hand. CHARITY!

Before you read this post, will you please just sit and think about what your definition of the word 'charity' happens to be, and then carry on. 

Now, like most people, I am hopeless when it comes to giving to charity. I often forget or just am a little selfish and want to keep my money to myself (don't judge me, we all do it!). In all honesty, it's not the first thing that comes to mind when I wake up in the morning nor the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. I truly admire those people who have the conviction to make a direct debit and give 10% or more of what they earn away and save the lives of people that they will never, ever meet. But really, is it better to shun away your giving into direct debits and forget about them or actively give to charities on a daily, weekly or monthly basis up front on the streets? Or even help someone cross a road? Offer them your shower? Give them a warm meal when they simply can't afford it? Or just carry someone's shopping home from Tesco with them when they look like they can't cope? What is charity? Is it the action of giving money away? Or is it the choice to help someone when they're in need?

The truth is, it's both.  The definition of charity is;
"The voluntary giving of help, typically money, to those in need."

I strongly believe that as humans we have about 50% more money than we actually need. I mean, if we think about it, do we honestly need to buy that new pair of shoes? or will the old ones do for the next few months? Or have we spent a little too much money on something just because of the brand name? I think so. We've all done it. In truth, we can survive without all of this nonsense - all we need is basic food, water and somewhere to sleep at night. I know that all of these things are lovely, don't get me wrong, I love them as well! but if we cut back on all of the branded items, all of the extra packets of crisps, chocolate bars, meals out, fancy drinks, special TV packages that allow us to watch so many films that we don't even care about and simply gave that money away. Gave it to someone who was selling a Big Issue magazine on the street corner. Gave it to a charity that was actively stopping children from dying on a daily basis. Bought your friend a coffee when they can't afford it. Bought a homeless person some lunch instead of the massive McDonald's you were planning on. Give it to your friend who is saving up for their Gap Year and they haven't quite got enough money yet. How much better would life be if we just helped someone else with the money we don't even need? Charity work is not just out in poor places like Africa and India - it's here too.  What are you going to lose (except weight, probably, but I don't think that's a bad thing) by giving this stuff away?

As a Church, we like to think of ourselves as people who do good deeds. Like giving 10% of our money away to charities on a monthly basis. Like preaching to people that they should give everything away to those who need it more. However, in practice, are we really doing that? Are we actively giving a home to the homeless? Feeding the hungry? Looking after those who can't look after themselves? The likelihood is...No. We're not. BUT WE SHOULD BE! Jesus told us so so so many times to give everything we have away. And he's still telling us now! When God comes back to take us to his Glory he'll ask us three things. 
"Do you Love me?"
"Did you feed my people?"
"Did you tell people about me?"
Right now, how would you answer? Truthfully. Don't lie to yourself.

So many people have already given this message and I realise that I am one in one million who have preached to you this year about giving EVERYTHING you have away. That everything doesn't just include your money, it's your time, it's your love, it's your home, it's your food, it's you. Charity is giving to those who need it most. And let's face it - you probably don't need half of the things you buy. 

Go on, give that homeless person your burger today. They'll love it.