From Charlie Gray

Two of the wealthiest men in America have made news recently by declaring their plans for their massive fortunes. Both Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have committed to gifting their vast fortunes to various philanthropic causes. Gates has committed to giving $200 billion over the next twenty years to address such causes as global health, poverty reduction and climate change. Buffet has followed the same path in committing to give 99% of his estimated $150 billion dollar fortune. These men are to be celebrated for their generosity.

Clothing the naked and feeding the hungry is a foundational directive for those of us who follow Jesus. We are expected to give to others even though we lack the resources of Gates and Buffett. Look no further than Mark 12 and Luke 21 to learn how Jesus felt about giving. In these passages, we hear of the poor widow giving two small coins to the temple treasury. This was far less than the wealthy givers but Jesus celebrates that her giving came from her merger livelihood as opposed to her abundance.

As a member of Banded Brothers, I have been blessed the past several days to participate in four scholarship offerings. Through The Joseph Gray Leadership Foundation, The Linwood Hartsell Scholarship and The Tom Kelly Scholarship, Banded Brothers gifted $15,000.00 to four high school seniors pursuing continuing education. These funds came from hundreds of small donations that collectively were able to make a huge difference in the life of another individual. Thanks to all of you who were a part of that generosity.

Gates and Buffett are doing good work but we all have the responsibility to help our neighbors. Jesus recognizes all givers, big and small. He celebrates our giving based on the sacrifice we make in that, as opposed to the dollar amount of our gift. Most of us will never give a billion dollars but we can, and should, do what we can. 100 poor man’s pennies equals one rich man’s dollar.