Want to know the shortcut to honor and influence?
“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” -Psalm 112:9
A lot of people seem to miss this. The natural instinct is to think that you must HAVE more—gain more, be followed by more, increase your net worth—to have more influence. It’s almost counter-intuitive, but the opposite is true.
The shortcut to honor and influence is to be a generous giver.
Think about it… Who are the people you most respect? Who has influence in your circle or network? Forget fame. It’s fleeting and shallow. Think honor and influence… significance.
It’s likely someone who is GENEROUS.
Sure, it helps to have more-than-average resources to be generous. But, I promise you, they were generous before they had the additional resources. No one who is generous wealthy was stingy when they had less. Generosity is a muscle that needs to be built up. So start now!
By the way, today is “Giving Tuesday.” Giving Tuesday started in 2012 when two organizations–the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation–came together to promote generosity before the chaotic spending that ensues around Christmas time. Obviously, the movement is relatively recent, but important.
Consider who you can surprise with generosity today. Your church? The organization that had an impact on your when you were young? The people that influence your kids? The person who inspires you?
Even though it’s even cooler when you giving quietly, you may want to post something on social media, just to encourage others to do the same. Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday.
In this new season I started a non-profit called Hope For Life. Right now Graeme Cowgill and I are leading the vision to take hope outside the walls of church and empower more leaders to multiply their impact, exponentially—and healthily. If you feel inclined to support our non-profit* you can give at HopeFor.Lifevia PayPal or check.
Whatever the cause and whoever the person, give something away today. Give a little more than is comfortable. That’s how giving becomes “generous giving.”
*Non-profit status pending, but all donations will be eligible for tax credit in the 2018 tax year.