The Culture of Giving <br/><br/>

In a recent issue of “Catholic Digest”, I found a very enlightening article on the topic of how to make use of one’s wealth.<br/><br/>

Bruce Howard, the article’s author, is a professor at an American business school.  He pointed out that based on his professional experience as an accountant, churchgoers who regularly donate one-tenth of their salary (tithe) to church are also less inclined to be overly bothered by financial gains and losses because for these individuals, their lives are staked in God’s hands.<br/><br/>

As in all things, you must dig your well before you are thirsty.  Therefore, it is necessary to develop a habit to save regularly and spend prudently.<br/><br/>

Howard said, “Do not buy unnecessary things.  Those who are able to control their urge to spend are also more able to help others in need.”<br/><br/>

When Howard first entered the workforce, he was not very well off.  One day, his little daughter asked for a new bike because the old one no longer fitted her.  He suggested shopping for a used one at the flea market; his daughter grudgingly agreed but asked that they offered up this matter to God in their nightly family prayer.<br/><br/>

The next day, when the two were on their way to the flea market, his daughter asked him to stop the car.  It turned out that she noticed her dream bike was on sale at a garage sale as they drove past!<br/><br/>

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”