The Secret Millionaire
Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire is TV that can legitimately claim to change lives. Each programme follows a millionaire as they go 'undercover' for two weeks, to experience life on benefit in a deprived area. During their fortnight, the millionaire seeks out volunteer opportunities with local community projects, with a view to identifying worthy causes to which they can donate cash. Each programme concludes with the millionaire returning to selected projects to express thanks and admiration, and then to reveal their true identity and hand over a cheque, often for several thousand pounds.
Almost without exception, those in receipt of the surprise cash are moved to tears by the act of generosity. As, indeed, are most of the millionaires handing over the cheques. These scenes are moving to watch. Indeed, it's precisely this spontaneous expression of self-giving and gratitude that saves the show from tokenism and egoism.
Naturally, the recipients of the secret millionaires' cash are eager to tell their benefactors of the tremendous difference their money will make. But perhaps even more significant is the testimony of the millionaires themselves to the difference that giving has made to them. Virtually all of them have spoken of discovering how good it is to give. And most have also spoken of a resolve to change the way they live in future.
For those with eyes to see, The Secret Millionaire is proof of the ongoing relevance of biblical truth. Concern for the poor, and the redistribution of wealth from those with plenty to those in need are principles enshrined in both Old and New Testaments. And Christ himself taught that the good life of God is the life given away (Matthew 16:24-26). If we really believe this, we will live like we really believe it, and through our giving of ourselves God will change the lives of those around us. It matters not if we are a few hundred thousand pounds short of being a millionaire; total trust in the God who knows our every need, not the assurance of luxuries left over is the motivation for our giving (Matthew 6:25-34).
Our culture urgently needs an injection of uncommon spontaneous self-giving right now. For evidence of this, look no further than those surprised by generosity in The Secret Millionaire whose initial response is often to assume it must be a hoax.
Nigel Hopper
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