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GIVING THE BEST OF THE BEST

"As soon as the order was promulgated, the Israelites brought, in great quantities, the best of their grain, wine, oil and honey, and lall the produce of the fields; they gave a generous tithe of everything. Israelites and Judahites living in other cities of Judah also brought in tithes of oxen, sheep, and things that had been consecrated to the Lord, their God; these they brought in and set out in heaps."     

We read about, how the people "brought, in great quantities, the best of their grain, wine, oil and honey, and all the produce of the fields." They gave the best of the best, in gratitude for the gifts from God. That is what being generous is all about. True generosity springs from the heart and motivates us to give the best of what we have, not just hwat we do not want or need anymore.

The word tithe appears in this verse. For the Israelites, to tithe meant to give 10 percent of one's earnings as a tax for the upkeep of the Temple. Some christians continue the spirit of tithing by giving 10 percent of all they earn to their church and other charities. They are offering God their best, the first fruits of their labor.

We all need to search our heart and continue this tradition of offering our best back to God - not because it makes us look good and gives us "extra points" with God, but because it comes from our gratitude for the gifts we have received.

GIFTS OF GRAIN

Consider making a gift of grain directly to your parish could provide you additional tax advantages! However, if you are a cash basis farmer, there can be a substantial difference in the tax consequesnces.

The tax advantage result from the fact that the farmer-donor does not recognize any income from the gift transfer of inventory. The IRS has ruled the gift of raised farm commodities by a cash basis farmer represents a transfer of an asset, rather than the "assignment of income".

The direct transfer of raised inventory to a charitiy can provide a substantial tax savings. However, the "i's" must be dotted and the "t's" crossed! Therefore, the review of this strategy with your tax consultant is advised.

STEWARDSHIP

to receive gratefully

to cultivate responsibly

to share lovingly with justice

to return abundantly to the lord 

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