You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” [Acts 20:35b (NLT)]
As I perused a glossy magazine dedicated to the wealthy, I saw short pieces about men’s handkerchiefs that sell for over one hundred dollars, a walnut portable bar (perfect for when you’re out hunting) costing about $7,600, Ferragamo sneakers that go for $1,200, and a $67,500 watch that covers all thirty times zones! An article about a Moroccan hotel mentioned its rack rate (ranging from $2,250 to $50,000 per night) but the advertisements for cars and watches didn’t even mention cost; apparently, if you have to ask, you clearly can’t afford them!
What a relief to then read about self-made billionaire Marc Benioff who has integrated philanthropy into his company’s basic philosophy; every year it donates 1% of its profits, staff hours and technology to various charities. Since 1999, over $53 million has been given away, employees have volunteered more than 500,000 hours, and company software has been made available to 20,000 non-profits. Recently, Benioff challenged twenty other technology companies to pledge a combined $10 million to fight poverty in the San Francisco area. Within sixty days, three out of four companies approached had signed onto the project. Benioff’s next goal is to raise another $50 million from one hundred more businesses this year. He was understandably disappointed by one wealthy entrepreneur’s response to his request: “What have I been given? Why do I need to give back?”
We’re not billionaires and the amounts asked from us are a pittance in comparison, but do we ever respond as coldly? Do we ask, “What have I been given? Why should I give back?” Let us never forget that everything we have has been given to us by God. Our talent, skills, intelligence, looks, parents, race, nationality and opportunities are all gifts from God. Yes, we’ve worked hard and struggled to achieve but what we’ve accomplished has much more to do with God’s hand than our efforts.
Why do we need to give back? That one’s easy: because we’re told to do so! Giving, however, isn’t just a way to be obedient to God; it is also a way to honor Him. Perhaps the best reason to give, however, is because of the joy that it brings, not just to the recipient, but to the giver as well!
The real joy in life comes from giving. … That’s the grace that pays out every single day for me. [Marc Benioff in “Forbes Life,” Summer 2014]
Devotions of the Heart 