Giving is a heroic act

Last year, Salvationists raised one million dollars during the Self Denial Appeal. This was the first time that The Salvation Army, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory has achieved this milestone. Congratulations to us all!

Generous giving really is an achievement—it takes determination and sacrifice for the greater good. When you think about it, it is a heroic act.

Perhaps that sounds a bit over-the-top. Heroes are guys like Captain America. And our Christian heroes are the ones on the front line, meeting needs in distant countries. But you have more in common with Captain America than you think: when you give your money, you are living sacrificially for a cause that is greater than you. You are giving up your own comfort, in order to be part of saving humanity.

This is very much the way the great missionaries of the early church thought about missions. ‘Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth,’ says 3 John 1:8 (ESV).

Echoing this idea, Paul—perhaps the most well-known early Christian missionary—rejoices with the Philippian church, who he describes as ‘partners in the gospel’. ‘I thank my God every time I remember you,’ exclaims Paul. ‘Since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me’ (Philippians 1:3,7).

The biblical model of missions is not that we are bystanders, giving money so others can do the real work. We are ‘fellow workers’ who ‘share in God’s grace’. We are partners in the great work of proclaiming Jesus’ name throughout the world.

‘God considers those who contribute financially to ministry to have a share in that ministry,’ writes missionary and blogger Glen Davis. ‘Think of it this way: your money is a representation of your life—it is what you get in exchange for time at work. By giving of that, it is as though you were taking time and serving on the mission field.’

A common misconception is that Paul primarily worked (making tents) to support his missionary work. In fact, Paul only did this until it was financially viable for him to be funded by the church. His expectation was that the fledgling local churches were vital financial partners with him in his work.

It’s a very practical way in which God calls his people to practice servant leadership. Jesus is the ultimate role model, says Davis. He was funded by supporters (Luke 8:1–3) and actually taught his disciples to rely on others during their ministry (Matthew 10:5–15).

In our wider culture, positions of leadership are synonymous with power, and the individualism that comes with wealth. In stark contrast, Christian leaders are called to rely on us. They are never independent of us, and indeed, need us to do our part in order to get the job done.

Yes, our Christian workers in developing countries are heroes. But we are co-heroes with them. So here’s to another million dollars towards our great mission this year!

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by Ingrid Barratt (c)'War Cry' magazine, 11 July 2015, pp3.
You can read 'War Cry' at your nearest Salvation Army church or centre, or subscribe through Salvationist Resources.