Transactional Giving

I began my illustrious career raising money for public television. It was a first job, but, even then, I could see people were expecting things in return for their support. That impression has only increased over the years and now what I call transactional giving has reached epidemic proportions. It pollutes practically every form of giving:

·      If I give at this level, can I get a tote bag and the CD collection?

·      If I give this will my children have an easier time getting accepted?

·      If I give, can my name be printed in BOLD TYPE so everyone can see how generous I am?

·      If I give this to my children, will they like me more?

·      If I give her/him this nice gift, will I get something of equal value?

·      If I give, will people think I’m a leader in the church?

·      If I give, what kind of a tax deduction will I get?

·      If I give, can I get better seats at the basketball games?

·      If I give her/him this, will they go out with me?

It’s everywhere we look, and as we enter the season of giving, it’s time to see how close to the surface it lies beneath our own generosity. Are we generous because we care, or are we generous because we will get something in return? 

Churches are asking for annual commitments, non-profits are racing to be the first envelopes we open, and children are filling out their Christmas lists. What would it look like if we removed ourselves from the current trend of transactional giving? What might we find in giving with no thought of return, no strings or expectations attached? 

My bet is we will find a joy in this season that has long been forgotten.