Intangible Benefits
Dave Faust
When I calculated my income taxes last spring, I noticed a little statement on the Record of Contributions sent by the church. It stated, "The only goods and services provided are intangible religious benefits." Another said, "No goods or services were received for your offerings."
Obviously, to prevent tax fraud the Internal Revenue Service needs to verify that charitable contributions are truly charitable—given without the desire for personal gain. The true spirit of giving requires us to be unselfish and motivated by grace. We love because God first loved us, and we give because he first gave to us.
However, it doesn't do justice to the blessings we receive from the Lord when we think of them as nothing but "intangible religious benefits." The Bible says to "forget not all his benefits"—and that includes the intangible ones. Fact is, I can identify many clear and positive benefits I receive from being part of God's family.
The church provides me with a built-in support system from the cradle to the grave.
It introduces me to personal relationships that go far beyond the surface. In the church I can find wise counselors to advise me, prayer partners who will pray for me, and true friends who will be there in times of need.
The church calls me to a higher purpose.
It enables me to discover my gifts and talents, and use them for a cause far larger than myself.
The church challenges me to think globally. Through my financial support of missions, I can help to meet physical and spiritual needs all over the world.
My marriage and family find support in the church as well. At every age, my children have discovered peer-level friends and adult role models who encourage them, help them grow in their faith, and reinforce our family's values.
On any given Sunday, my heart may be stirred by seeing someone baptized, or by hearing a believer testify about a life changed or a marriage healed. I can join my voice with others who sing the praises of God in good times and bad. I can hear a well-prepared speaker talk about the Bible. I benefit regularly from these services, and no one compels me to pay for them.
You can't put a price-tag on hope. If being eternally saved is an "intangible religious benefit," I'll gladly take it—even if it doesn't qualify as a tax deduction.
This column first appeared in The Lookout on Jun 5, 2005.
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