Charitable Giving Should Be Considered in Every Christian’s Estate Plan

   For those individuals who are diligent and responsible enough to thoughtfully consider the transfer of their treasures when they leave this earth, the decisions to be made in the estate planning process can be overwhelming.  Which professionals to work with, which documents to prepare, how to organize assets and how to protect beneficiaries from their own foolishness are all questions that need to be discussed.  Unfortunately, one question that is often left undiscussed is whether and how to include charitable beneficiaries in an estate plan.  Despite most people’s initial reaction to the idea, providing for those charities is important and wise.

   Proverbs 13:22 relays the truth that “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,” while Proverbs 20:21 cautions that “An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed in the end.”  This somewhat confusing pair of instructions often leaves believers wondering what to do with their worldly treasures in the event of their passing, and far too commonly results in them doing nothing at all and leaving chaos behind at a time when loved ones need peace.

   The Biblical guidance, however, is not impossible to understand.  First, Proverbs 13 confirms that it is kind and wise to leave “an” inheritance to one’s descendants.  Second, however, Proverbs 20 cautions that too ...