Knowing Why.

I may not have traveled the years of experience that others have yet, there are a few things that I have discovered along the way

One of those is that within all of us is a desire to make a difference. I believe that many desire to help others and  are motivated by a deep or more meaningful experience in life. It seems to be within our nature to help another.

Look for example, the many times that people have stepped up to help others in-need during a national crisis or global tragedy. We all have a desire to be helpful. Look at any organization and you will see that. Organizations experience an increase in volunteerism and donations that are abundant.

Hopefully we can say that growth of philanthropy is up when we reflect upon our global response to the pandemic but, only time will tell. Early in 2020 we did see an increase in financial contributions.

Today I want to explore this a little deeper. It’s a curious thing to me. I often wonder what motivates us to become more philanthropic. Certainly, it appears as though many have the resources to give. We also know that people seem to set aside time to help one another when called upon. I believe that everyone wants to make an impact.

It seems as though helping others is within our DNA. Maybe it’s because at sometime in our past we were in-need and someone helped us. Perhaps we responded with a level of thankfulness. Perhaps it’s because we are much more aware than we have ever been of the incredible need of others. We have sources through social media like never before. Our phone sends us notifications at an unprecedented level. 

Yet, I am curious of the motivation. Perhaps there is a part of God’s design within His creation that motivates us to act. I don’t believe that everyone is motivated by what they get out of it financially or through status. Call me a purist but I believe that people have a genuine desire to make a difference in others.

Some might even call me naïve to believe in the purest intent of humanity. It could be that I am looking at life with rose colored glasses. Of course, I see how selfish we can be as well. Look at how many times people have stocked up on supplies, emptying shelves of toilet paper and other necessities in order to hoard these items for themselves. 

A few years back when the world seem to be concerned about Y2K. (1999) I remember when our Boys Brigade ministry went out to collect our annual food campaign. Within a few weeks of the new year (2000) we scheduled an additional collection thinking that since we survived Y2K, the power systems didn’t crash and Banks did not fail that perhaps there are a few people that have a surplus. That year was a goal-setting year, a bumper crop! We collected more food than we had ever done before and much of it was in bulk supplies. We received canisters and buckets filled with grain & other goods. It was remarkable. So, I’m not that naïve to believe that people do hoard for themselves.

I do believe that people want to make a difference. I believe that Christians know why!

Yet, no matter the motivation or level of philanthropy, I believe that God has instilled this within all of us as a part of his creation. Many use this to promote their status. Perhaps many others use it like a drug; feeling good about themselves.

I do believe that the goodwill of mankind is something that God has instilled within us and it was not lost because of the Fall & disobedience of Adam. Scripture seems to support this idea when I read passages like: Matthew 25 or 2 Corinthians 9 or Luke 10. These passage give direct evidence of our humanity and desire to help others.

Matthew 25:35 I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home.

2 Corinthians 9:8 reads; And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Luke 10:35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.

Even throughout the Old Testament are passages the talk about having a generous spirit. Consider: Proverbs 11:24–25 or Proverbs 22:9. Read more HERE.

I believe Christians understand why we are generous. Christians have a good understanding, or at least should have an understanding that our goodness is for God’s  glory. We also should understand that no amount of goodness will gain us access into heaven. We must be born again by the spirit of God.

As we gain our understanding of why we do ministry and are charitable, we better communicate the hope that we have through Christ Jesus. It is not for ourselves nor for any kind of personal satisfaction or gain. As Christians, we know why because of our relationship with Christ. All that we do is for gods glory and for the building up of His kingdom here on earth.

We should never let our ego get the best of us or have a false doctrine is if , somehow, it will gain any extra favor from God. We love because God loves us. We give because it has been given to us through Christ Jesus. We, as Christians know why!

2-22-22 Bible Passages for Twos-Day!!

Today I couldn’t help but share with you some of the references of the scripture on this Tuesday filled with “two’s-day” on 2-22-22.

Genesis 2:2

And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying….

Psalms 22:22

I will tell of your name to my brothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

Proverbs 2:2

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

Jeremiah 22:2

and say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you, and your servants, and your people who enter these gates.

Mark 2:22

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”

Acts 2:2

And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:22

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Philippians 2:2

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Colossians 2:2

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,

1 Timothy 2:2

for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

2 Timothy 2:22

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Peter 2:22

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

1 John 2:2

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jude 1:22

And have mercy on those who doubt;

Your Biographical Sketch.

Have you ever thought about how you would summarize your life? Each of us perceive our value and worth in our own way. Some focus on relationships while others on task or titles. It’s a rather challenging thing to think about. 

I once was challenged that I should write out my obituary. I don’t like to think about those kinds of things. It is rather morbid! Yet, it can be a tool that could help to discover my purpose and meaning in life. It is most helpful to know your purpose but I like what Mark Twain once wrote. “There are two important day in your life. The day you are born and the day you discover why.”

Albert Schweitzer once wrote a maxim to life that for Christians is of high importance. We need to be people who serve!

"I don't know what know: the ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. -Albert Schweitzer, 1875

I have attended hundreds of funerals and officiated over the service of many others. As peculiar as it sounds, it is one of my more favorite religious responsibilities. I would much prefer to do a funeral than I would a wedding, though I have actually done hundreds of those. I know that sounds weird!

Well, here it goes, my biographical sketch.

Reverend Rick Carder serves as the Director of Church Outreach for Josiah White’s, a Christian family services ministry headquartered in Wabash, IN. Rick has served in various Christian ministries since 1987, and was ordained by the Wesleyan Church in 1989. Prior to serving with Josiah White’s, Rick served in alumni and church engagement with Indiana Wesleyan University. Rick has also served within the Wesleyan Church in various capacities including as a pastor and youth pastor. Rick is passionate about serving foster parents and foster children. Rick and his wife Cindi were foster parents for eight years, and Rick has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care. Rick believes in the life-changing power of the Gospel, and is thankful to be a part of a ministry that offers new possibilities for children and families.  

This biographical sketch was written by the marketing team of Josiah White’s as a tool to help organizations to have a bit of a background whenever I speak to a group.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 says that life is vanity; it will quickly pass. In the Voice translation we find a clarity of meaning to these often quote passages.

2 Teacher: Life is fleeting, like a passing mist.
        It is like trying to catch hold of a breath;
    All vanishes like a vapor; everything is a great vanity.
3     What good does it do anyone to work so hard again and again,
        sun up to sundown? All his labor to gain but a little? (The Voice. Ecclesiastes 1:2-3)

It’s a sobering thought to think that all of us have a life expectancy. For many do exceed that number, if there are many tragedies of those who die young. Songs have been created and mini books have been written but help to validate the nature of life.

Yet, the scripture tells us that we should yield our time and attention to the Lord. Each of us are given the same amount of time no matter how long we live. The Bible tells us that we live day by day. While many set calendars months and even years down the road yet, there is no guarantee except the one given to us by our creator.

I say more and more often, “if it be your will”. I believe that it is a healthy expression to consider the fact that our life is in God’s hands. As we walked through life being humble and grateful for each and every day that we are given, may we do our giving while we’re living and invest ourselves into the lives of others; for future generations and not just our own!