Proverbs 3.27-28
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.” (Proverbs 3:27-28)
Wise people are givers, not takers. They are generous. Whenever possible, they give of their time, energy, and resources to help others. They invest in people, with no expectation of getting something back. They give freely from the generosity of their heart.
Unwise people are takers, not givers. They are self-oriented and greedy. They are stingy with their time, energy, and resources. They only give when they think they can get something in return. They resist giving because of the hardness of their heart.
Professor Adam Grant of the Wharton school recently wrote a best-selling book titled, “Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success.” The book is based on his research in organizations with regard to which working-style is most effective and successful: people who are described as givers, or people who are described as takers.
His research reveals that givers are the most successful, with the caveat that they give wisely. That is, they are discerning and responsible about when, how, and to whom they give. They are generous, but not at the expense of getting their own work done. In fact, they understand the negative impact on the team when they don’t get their work done.
The givers are inclined to help, support, and contribute to others. Not surprisingly, Grant’s research also reveals that organizations and teams with a culture of giving are more productive and successful than those that do not have a culture of giving.
There are alot of takers in our world. In contrast to the selfishness of the takers, Christians in the workplace and in the community are called to be givers. We are called to be supportive and helpful to others whenever possible.
Being a giver is a mindset; it is a way of thinking that comes from our relationship with Jesus, who is the ultimate Giver. This is Paul’s message in Philippians 2: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Being a giver is a battle of the heart. It’s easy to be selfish. The natural impulse is to seek your own interests, pursue your own agenda, and look out for yourself. But self-centeredness is not the way of the kingdom of God. It is not the fruit of the Spirit. It is the path of darkness.
Consider this: Jesus loves you and died for you knowing that you might not love him back. Those who have recognized and responded to God’s great gift in Christ are called to follow the example of the Savior and be a giver.
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!” (Psalm 119.36)
