Some celebrities do a lot to help out various causes that are meaningful to them. Sometimes they give of their time, talent, or treasure, while other times they create giving opportunities for the rest of us to be generous. The celebrity then does much to highlight the cause, and the hope is that enough people will give to make a difference.

I never judge another’s motive when they choose to give to or support a cause. However, I hear many times a criticism levied against seemingly rich people who start a fundraiser and ask the rest of us to give: “Since they have so much money, they could simply give all the money needed themselves!” This exclamation often comes with disdain and a tone of superiority. This sentiment also comes frequently from those who have chosen to given little to nothing to the cause themselves.

Stewardship begins with the person in the mirror. You and I are accountable to each other, but at the end of the day, the only one who knows the true level of our generosity is God. As this Lent draws to a close, it is time to take a good long look in the mirror. You probably aren’t famous, so there probably won’t be a crowd of people to question the level of your sacrifice, devotion, and generosity this Lent. Of course, God knows and so does that person looking back at you in the mirror.

– Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS