I read this article “Above the law: America’s worst charities”  about charities that uses most of the money raised for profit and further fund raising, and very little for actual relief. This article made me pretty mad and sick to the stomach. As Christians, we are called to give generously,  but we ought to be giving responsibly too. Sad to say that there are many “Gehazi’s” (2 Kings 5) that claim to do good things in the name of God, love, social justice, or just goodness in general, but are motivated by their own greed instead.

Looking at the list of these charities, I have to wonder how many of those started with the intention of making money and cheating others. I suspect there were some with good hearts, wanting to do good things, but somewhere down the road the promises of wealth side-tracked their good intentions.

As sinful people, we definitely have it in us to be self-seeking. If you have a heart to serve God, let’s guard ourselves against the material temptations of this world. Let’s be in a habit of coming before God and others to evaluate our motivations so that we do the right things for the right reasons. And let’s remember that our God will hold us accountable for how we have used His gifts in the service of others.

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. ” Luke 12:15

What’s your favorite charity?