An Opportunity to “Give Back”
Repurposing a Federal Rebate Check for God’s Economy
By Stephen Sharkey
It doesn’t happen often that the Government decides to give you money, but here we are at the beginning of 2008 and the Federal Government is doing just that: giving you money. In mid February of this year Congress passed President Bush’s economic stimulus package designed to put money back in your hands (see general information below). Rarely do we see our bi-partisan legislature agree on much of anything, but on this bill they came together. Liberal Democrats may view this as a generous gesture to the American People from Uncle Sam; ‘the government to the rescue in times of pending economic crisis.’ Conservative Republicans may view this as putting the money back in the hands of the people, ‘those to whom it rightfully belonged to in the first place.’ But who cares? We’re getting money!
Free money!
When I first heard about the potential for a tax rebate I began doing what most of us do when unexpected cash comes our way, I began making out my wish list… new jeans, ipod, a new TV, furniture, the list goes on. Of course the fiscally responsible among us think of putting that money away for a rainy day, paying down that mortgage or credit card bill, or making the next car payment, but not I. Like many anxious Americans I am ready to spend the money before I even get it! Recently however, I took a step back from my fantasy shopping spree in an effort to better grasp this federal rebate situation. I am so quick to stake a claim in what is mine, forgetting so easily the basic Biblical concept that everything comes from God. But no matter what side of the aisle one stands, as followers of Christ we view our monetary resources much differently...
Everything belongs to God
Pretty simple, right? But it’s still so difficult to practice in our lives. When that federal check arrives in the mail, I wonder if as followers of Christ we might have the wherewithal to remember that everything comes from God, to remember that before anything ‘belonged’ to us or to the Government, everything belongs to God. So what then will you do with your check? After all, it’s your money. You can do with it as you please. But before you start planning your shopping spree, or start charging up your credit card (as many Americans have begun to do), we would propose that this ‘economic stimulus package’ might be repurposed as a ‘kingdom stimulus package.’ The Federal Government hopes that you might use this money to pour back into the ailing economy. Some might say we’re using a broken system to fix a broken system, but regardless of differing views on economic solutions, as Christ followers we know that our hope is not in economy but in Christ alone.
Our proposal:
The Government is ‘giving back’ our money. Very few of us would have ever expected the Government to cut us a check. So what can we do with this surprise ‘generosity?’ As New Community Covenant Church enters into the new territory of a capital campaign, we also might consider the option of “giving back.” Not to the government, not to the economy, but giving back to God from whom everything has its source. As we go on this journey together, pray about the possibility of repurposing that check for God’s Kingdom work with our new ministry center in Logan Square. Avoid picturing new HD TV’s in your living room or a new wardrobe. That’s exactly what the Government would have you do. Instead, think about what good can be done with that money if we put it together towards God’s work in Logan Square and in the city of Chicago.
Basic Details of Federal Rebate Checks:
How much will people get?
Most individuals will get up to $600; couples will get up to $1,200. People will get an additional $300 for each dependent child.
You said most. Who is eligible?
To get the maximum $600 or $1,200 payment, people must have paid federal income taxes in 2007 and had earned income of at least $3,000.
Those who made at least $3,000 but didn't pay any federal income tax would get $300 per individual or $600 per couple.
Are there income limits?
Yes. The payments would start phasing out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000 and couples with incomes of more than $150,000.
Individuals with incomes higher than $87,000 and couples with incomes higher than $174,000 would not be eligible, unless they had children.
More information can be found at www.irs.gov