Is the charity you support a good choice?

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

– Luke 12:21

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

– 2 Corinthians 5:9-10

    One of the most important days to me will be that Day – noted with a capital “D” – and with good reason. It is the day I will face my Jesus and hear what He says about the fruit of my life on earth. I trust in His piercing and honest view of me, as well as His merciful understanding that I am but weak flesh. If it weren’t for the promises of Scripture like Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before-hand that we should walk in them,”— we would be left alone to wander until the day we face Him with nothing to show for ourselves. Yet, with His help and by doing the work He has called us to, we can bear much fruit!

    I see many ways we can do the work God has for us. Some obvious examples are working directly with our own hands, physically helping someone, encouraging or guiding words, or maybe working behind the scenes. We can also provide material care, and even carry people and their issues in prayer to God. Another way is through supporting organizations that focus on specialized work, such as our ministry at the Biblical Counseling Center. All of these approaches have at least two things in common – the input and efforts of the caregivers, and the benefits to the recipients.

    The reality is, not all non-profits’ efforts are equally efficient or beneficial to the recipients. Wise caregivers will be rewarded because good effort is very important to our Lord. Per our opening Scriptures, He will judge our management of His investment in us, and He will give us whatever is due.

His message is: “Spend the life I’ve given you well, and enjoy the reward!” I want to hear Him say “Well done!” not only to me, but to those I serve as well, because I have discipled them to serve the Lord.

    At BCC, I would summarize my responsibility as helping to make the ministry an excellent choice for its donors, for BCC’s staff, and for those who benefit from the work of the donors and staff. Our job is not just to minister to our beneficiaries, but to do so effectively in as efficient manner as possible. We exist to see Jesus’ counsel in His Word bringing freedom through the Truth, and to help others live life to the fullest. (Jn 8:32; 10:10) We want to accomplish that in an excellent manner worthy of the King we serve. All of the stewards of Luke 12 put forth some type of effort, but the reward went to those who worked to the height of their abilities in concert with the character of their Lord.

    As a business owner, my company earned its revenue in exchange for products and services. While we didn’t do everything perfectly, our clients valued what we provided and our reward was staying in business. If we failed our clients by not adapting or providing value, the company would soon cease to exist. People commit their money to whatever they perceive has value. Organizations, either for-profit or not, must continually strive to improve whatever services or product they provide. This leads to growth and effectiveness and efficiency.

    This is true for ministries that need donors’ support to do their work. All three parties – donors, staff, and beneficiaries – should receive value for their effort. Beneficiaries of BCC’s services (counsel and training) and products (books, DVDs and CDs) are learning to apply Jesus’ Words to their lives.

The Staff of BCC are growing in their ministry and service to the Lord while earning fair compensation. Finally, the Donors who assist BCC’s ministry on their behalf are satisfied that their money is used efficiently and effectively. Understanding this principle allows us all to be good stewards with His work going forward in a way that pleases Him! Biblical Counseling Center provides services to churches and people. Often the individuals we help genuinely cannot afford the fee, yet we have committed to turn no one away. Some are qualified for training, yet cannot afford the fee. This is why our donors’ ministry of helping those in need of counsel or training is so important to the effectiveness of this ministry. We continue to need your help. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, bringing them the highest quality help through the Gospel, while using our resources as efficiently as we can.

    BCC’s ministry continues to grow and provide exciting opportunities to help more people. Things are going very well, and I’m excited to see people freed from the bonds of sin. As we move forward, we continue to look for better ways to make the most of our efforts. All three parties – BCC’s Beneficiaries, our Staff, and Donors like you should look forward to that wonderful Day and Jesus’ assessment of our work.

    Choose well and give generously, and you will be sure to hear Him say “Well done!”

         Is the charity you support a good choice? If you have an opinion of what we’re doing at BCC, or if you’re interested in knowing more, I would love to talk with you. Please take the opportunity and give me a call. Let’s work together to make this ministry even better.

                  – Mike Scheffer, (219) 808-7893