A person’s greatness is measured by his outreach, not by his containment. We see that Jesus exposed the problem of hoarding wealth in Luke 18:
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
19 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ "
21 And he said, "All these things I have kept from my youth."
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
The young ruler’s behavior was consistent with the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament but he failed to comprehend that Love was behind the Ten Commandments. As he walked through the streets among the poor and desolate, he failed to view them through the eyes of Love. His wealth could have ministered to the needs of many but he must have feared the loss of wealth. Making the transition from “entitled” to “steward” is often difficult. Many people I have known who gained wealth develop the attitude of “entitlement”. It is as though they suddenly take on a belief of having been anointed with wealth to live a “blessed” life above the masses. They begin to put their trust in money rather than Our Heavenly Father. There are those who are called to be financial stewards but their hearts have been prepared to handle the money has a commodity rather than being more precious than salvation.
The IRS is now focusing on charitable giving in an effort to gain more tax revenue. Some will use this as a reason to reduce or cease their giving. Others will simply acknowledge that their giving will be reviewed and will continue to give, knowing that there will be additional paperwork and correspondence to deal with. The greatest nations are those who give to other nations. Name me on nation who is poor and constantly receiving aid that you would call “great”. This is true on the personal level as well. I suspect that there is not one city in the U.S. without a grade school in need of media supplies. Moreover, a grade school in the desolate area of town has the greatest needs. You do not have to look 5,000 miles away to find a good cause. Grade schools in your own backyard are hurting for assistance. Servias Ministries can distribute your dollars on your behalf to these grade schools. Your anonymity can be retained if you desire.
Especially in these times, giving to the poor differentiates the person of greatness from one of regret.