Tax rebate checks have already arrived by direct deposit to several Americans’ bank accounts. Upwards of 130 million American families and individuals will be receiving the so-called "economic stimulus package" checks in the weeks ahead from the Internal Revenue Service.  Eligible persons will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child under the age of 17. If you add to these figures the average tax refund -- $2,225 in 2007 – you’ll have plenty of cash to buy the 50" flat screen TV (Money, April, 2008.) Uncle Sam hopes that these tax refunds will stimulate the U.S. economy and, thus, have some ripple effects in the global economy.

So, where will the money go once individuals and families receive it? According to a National Retail Federation survey, people plan to spend about 40% of their tax rebate. This spending is predicted to send a boost of $42 billion into the slumping economy. People who were surveyed indicated that much of their spending will be reserved for necessities – gas, groceries, medical care. They also plan to pay down debt, save, and invest. Retailers are hoping to increase this 40% figure and to expand spending to include non-necessity items. Companies have launched some incentives in hopes of increasing their market share and receiving the dollars of these tax rebate checks. For instance, some retailers are providing consumers with a bonus gift card equal to 10% of their rebate when these conusumers spend their entire tax rebate check at the retailer.

Most money-related magazines, almost every cable news channel and major TV network, numerous retailers, and even radio DJs are offering tips, advice, and opinions on these tax rebate checks and the various ways that they will be applied to the average person’s wallet. I’ve seen top ten lists of what you may do with your tax rebate. Many lists provide sound financial advice:

Most lists also include a suggestion to spend at least a little on yourself – splurge, have fun, treat yourself, do something to feel better! One recommendation has been absent from every list. You guessed it – GIVING! I am yet to see a list that recommends giving a portion of these dollars to a charitable ministry. I was ready to overlook the blatant absence of giving from these lists and to commend their creators for such prudent financial advice. I was, at least, until I noticed that almost every list included this suggestion of self-indulgence. Splurging is not sound financial advice; it is feeding the myth that things bring ultimate contentment, peace, and joy to people’s lives. Self-indulgent stuff may provide moments of comfort, even a warm-fuzzy feeling at first, but long-lasting, profound contentment? Hardly! I’m not against the occasional splurge. I do spend money on me and more on my family. If you know me, then you know that I enjoy an overall comfortable lifestyle – extravagant compared to the global community.

Do faith-based organizations and churches have a voice in this tax rebate discussion? I believe so. Many voices come to mind! But, I’ll limit my voice to include giving on the top ten list of items that one can do with any money received – tax rebate or otherwise.

One may argue that giving money is not sound financial advice. But consider . . . Giving money enables us to have control over it; rather than to be controlled by it. Giving money may be one of the most freeing experiences that we will ever have with money. Giving to a church or charity may help to impact economic justice beyond our individual ability to do so. Giving may remind us of the many ways that we have been sustained in life by outpourings of generosity. Giving may nudge us closer in our relationship with Jesus who gave everything for us.

Perhaps what you can give others through your leadership is encouragement to add giving to their list of tax rebate plans. But first, ask yourself, "Is giving on my list?" – not just for your possible tax rebate check, but for your daily walk in this world. In the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35b