Why GiveInstead?
(What's the hope?)
Depending on where you live in the world, you may already do this. You know well that Christians are called to give as Christ gave: Sacrificially, lavishly, humbly, joyfully ... knowing that we all depend on God to provide all things.
So why do so few Christ followers give so little? There are so many reasons, most having to do with our hearts (the ones God hopes to change, degree by degree of glory). But HowGiving hopes to prime the pump of Christlike generosity, helping us to give more and more radically, through clever and easy ways to let go of the grip we have on our time, talent and treasure.
GiveInstead is just one of the ways HowGiving intends to encourage and equip in this area of our Christian journey.
It's so simple that, well,
why wouldn't you?
A Day Using GiveInstead ...
7:15am
On my way to work. I see Starbucks and start craving that Venti Vanilla Latte. But I think, "I'm a giver like Jesus." So, instead, I touch the GiveInstead icon on my smart phone, type in $6.50, then "Give". I just gave to my default charity instead of buying something I wanted (certainly), but did not need.
11:37am
While enjoying lunch, I'm scrolling Reels on Facebook, and - surprise! - up pops the standard Ad that just happens to know what I've been looking at recently ... a new pair of suede Vans, $120+tax. They are sweet. Honestly, I already have two pair, "but not THIS color!"
I think: "Yeah, I know... What could that money accomplish for the Kingdom in the hands of a strong Christian humanitarian charity?"
Answer: Quite a bit.
So, I do some quick math and determine that $120+tax = approximately $130. "Yep, I'm going to GiveInstead." And I do with a couple of touches and some Godly resolve.
10:48pm
I reflect as I get ready to hit the sack. "I gave my favorite charity $136.50 today. Cool. I wonder if I can top that tomorrow..."
Selah.
"I gave my favorite charity $136.50 today. Cool.
I wonder if I can top that tomorrow..."