For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 1 Thessalonians 2:5
“The fact that you are giving money to a charity does not mean that you need not try to find out whether that charity is a fraud or not.”
C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity (Quebec: Samizdat University Press, 2014) 45. I could mine the writings and letters of C.S. Lewis for a lifetime. I think this will be the last such post for now. In the final three months of the year, I will return to the theme of ‘compassion’ in the writings of saints.
Tomorrow we enter the fourth quarter of 2020. It’s the season when most charitable giving happens in the USA. At this time and throughout the year, look for organizations that have the ECFA seal. It means they follow seven standards of responsible stewardship, and their faithfulness is verified with peer accountability.
There are many charlatans out there. They say they are doing one thing and yet, it is a “cloak for covetousness.” Seriously, look up their 990 nonprofit tax files using Guidestar or some other service to see what the top executives are paid. Ask the charities you support to see their financials to know where the money is going.
Once you have done this, then give generously. Invest as a partner. Increase your giving to match your capacity. And reach out to the CEO with a word of encouragment. Take it from me. He or she would appreciate it. Do it because these are challenging times.