“People learn best by watching what others do. Children watch their parents. Adults watch their neighbors and work associates. Nonbelievers watch Christians to see what difference Christianity makes in their lives. One way we can positively influence the world is by giving generously, sacrificially, and without fanfare: allowing the world to see that we understand where our wealth comes from and how to use it in a godly manner. We are not to take our giving cues from the world; instead, the Bible calls us to set the standard of generosity in giving.” [cf. Acts 4:36-5:10; 2 Cor 9:13]
George Barna in How to Increase Giving in Your Church (Ventura: Regal, 1997) 83.