Giving Back

“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”

– Luke 22:26

Over the past several years, many well-known companies have promoted their philanthropy — also known as giving back — to help make the world a better place. For example, Coca-Cola donates at least 1% of its annual operating income toward certain causes and initiatives. Likewise, The Home Depot’s Veteran Housing Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations for the construction or rehabilitation of permanent housing for veterans. And JPMorgan Chase invests millions toward animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health and medical research, human and social services, plus international and religious causes. 

Giving back also goes hand-in-hand with being a Christ-follower. Indeed, we’re called to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet on earth while we wait for his return — or at least until that day when he calls us back home. That means we’re to help prepare God’s kingdom by sharing the many gifts and talents he’s given us. And it’s in this way that we become a beacon of hope amidst the utter darkness of today’s so-called enlightened society.

“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

That’s how Jesus expresses this directive through Matthew’s gospel. But what sort of light is he talking about? It’s really that spark or inner power that God grants each Christ-follower for demonstrating his goodness through their words and deeds. For example, we can shine a light and serve by running a much-needed errand for an elderly neighbor. We can help clean up a neglected school or a community park — or even work in a food pantry or visit the residents of an assisted living community. Whether it’s down the street or across the globe, there’s no shortage of opportunities for giving back.

Why is the principle of giving back so important for Christ-followers?

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” Jesus explains. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” 

Christ exemplified a service-focused life. So as his modern-day disciples, let’s do the same by turning our faith into action and giving back to the ones he calls the least of these.