Illustration: Giving, Stewardship

A very wealthy man in the community was not known for his generosity to the church. The church was involved in a big financial program, so the fund-raising committee decided it had to pay him a visit. While meeting, committee members said that in view of his considerable resources, they were sure he would like to make a substantial contribution to this program.

"I see," he said, "so you have it all figured out have you? In the course of your investigation did you discover I have a widowed mother who has no other means of support but me?" No, they responded, they did not know that. "Did you know I have a sister who was left by a drunken husband with five children and no means to provide for them?" No, they said, we did not know that either. "Well, Sir, did you know also that I have a brother who is crippled due to an automobile accident and can never work another day to support his wife and family?" Embarrassingly, they responded; No, Sir; we did not know that either.

"Well," he thundered triumphantly, "I've never given any of them a cent, so why should I give anything to you?" (eSermons.com)