During this time of year, everyone starts to think about their giving. The Bible says, “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9 NKJV). However, I encourage you to give throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. I remember when times were financially hard in my youth, and I didn’t take giving seriously. I wasn’t generous because I was living in a state of lack. God taught me the power of giving when others would buy Becky and I groceries because God knew we couldn’t afford them that week. I started blessing others, and taking it seriously, Now, it’s one of the great joys in mine and Becky’s lives. Acts 20:33 says, “it’s better to give than to receive.” During the holiday season, I challenge you to take giving seriously.
The Three Principles of Giving
1. Tithing
Biblically, you are supposed to sow back into your church. A tithe means 10% of what you make. I have a rule in my book, Money Mastery, where I encourage you to live on 80% of your income. You should tithe 10% back into your church and invest the other 10%. Tithing is important because you are supporting the work of the church, and you are putting your faith in God that He will provide everything you need. It can be scary, but it is the first step in leveling up your giving.
2. Blessing Others
I remember vividly the day that I decided to stop living in a state of lack, and started believing God would help me build wealth. I took a couple kids on a field trip but the van that was taking us broke down. We stopped at a Village Inn restaurant, and I wanted to get me and the kids some coffee and pie. I didn’t have enough money to my name. In that moment, I knew I didn’t want that to ever happen again.
I knew that I wanted to help others, but I didn’t really know what that looked like. Sometimes, it would be simply giving a gift of money, or buying someone else’s groceries. Churches often have giving trees during the holiday season to get gifts for kids. I love participating in those, and I encourage you to do so as well. Find one way this month to bless someone you know.
3. Impact the Kingdom
The next level of giving to others is sowing into the Kingdom of God. David Briggs and I started Tricord Global because while donations are good, we wanted to really invest into other believers. We learned that benevolence can create a welfare state, and the people of God weren’t being empowered. Because of Tricord, we are able to invest in people and watch their businesses grow and their lives improve. It is such a blessing to know that you have changed the trajectory of someone’s life.
I challenge you to find where you fit in these three principles of giving, and take action this season! If you are looking to bless someone else, I encourage you to take them to the annual WealthBuilders Conference! In February 2020, we will be coaching others to level up their finances, their business, and their spiritual lives. Join us by getting your ticket today!
