Gaining confidence with planned giving

I have always loved trying new things. I grew up in a home where a common phrase associated with trying new things or overcoming a challenge was, “It builds character.” It was a saying that inspired me to try my hardest, to seek out new adventures, and to not shy away from something difficult (thanks, mum).

And then I graduated from college. And had to start paying back student loans. And I had to pay monthly rent. And I had to afford groceries, medical bills, and my running shoes needed to be replaced. And this, and that, and the other thing…

All of a sudden, I found myself thinking,

“Surely I have enough character now. I don’t really want to have to deal with trying to fit giving into my budget when I’m already giving so much of my money away.”

Then God dropped a truth bomb on my heart so powerful that I couldn’t ignore the message.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.'" – Hebrews 13:5-6

The writer of this verse had more character in their whole being than I had in my pinky finger. They trusted that God would be with them no matter what kind of situation they found themselves in. Their faith and trust in God gave them confidence and took away their fear. I realized I had been placing my trust and hope for the future in how much money I had, and not in God.

It got me thinking about why giving and planned giving are important. It’s a way to fully trust in God, a way to practice keeping my life free from the love of money, and it’s a chance to use the blessings God has given me to be a blessing to others. God has given me so much already, including freedom from sin and death through Jesus. It’s thankfulness for Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf that motivated me to buckle down.

I decided to get serious about making a budget that would allow me to give to the causes that I cared about. And I took a look at planned giving and how I could put plans in place that would ensure I could support future gospel outreach after I pass away (a bit of a morbid thought, but I won’t need the money I have here on earth once I am in heaven—I’m sure doughnuts will be free there).

God promises to provide for our every need. He even provides us with extra blessings like brunch with our besties and amazing hand-crafted half-caf, no foam, double sugar, caramel soy lattes.

I’m fully aware that saying this is easier than doing it, but the benefits of trusting God with my wealth by making monthly gifts to charities and figuring out how to include a nonprofit in my planned giving is worth whatever budget sacrifice I might have to make.

Money won’t be with me forever, but God will. Money can’t promise to protect me from harm, but God can. Money can’t fill the hole in my heart, only Jesus can.

One quality that comes with building character is confidence. There are still days when I get a little worried about making my finances work but I know with confidence that God is always with me. I also know that He is using the gifts I give to lead others to Him so they too can be filled with the joy, love, peace, and confidence that comes with knowing that Jesus is my Savior.   

And that is so worth it.

Getting started with planned giving doesn’t have to be confusing.

Download our Christian Guide to Planned Giving Under 40 and get started building some character.