Generosity in Business, Life, and Spirit
As we conclude the season of Thanksgiving, I think it best to finish by letting our thoughts wander to another related topic: GENEROSITY.
This topic has been on my mind a lot lately. Like you, I spent time over the Thanksgiving weekend thinking about all the good things I am indeed thankful for. However, it occurred to me that my thankfulness is actually a result of the goodness of others; family, friends, God, Corpath brothers and sisters, and sometimes even strangers. Their generosity to me has allowed me to experience positive results that often I could not have manufactured for myself. Sometimes generosity is shown in a heart-felt prayer being offered on my behalf. Sometimes generosity is shown by introducing me to someone I didn't know previously. At other times, it's in the giving of time and energy to assist in a project. There are so many ways that I experience the generosity of others, and I am indeed truly grateful.
In my reflection, I pause to ask this question: Am I a generous person?
Q: Pause for a moment and answer this question for you; would you consider yourself to be a generous person?
Generosity is a fundamental value that transcends impacts both the personal and professional aspects of our life. For a Christian business leader who is also a family person, the role of generosity takes on a unique and deep significance. The virtue of generosity shapes the life of a Christian business leader in the context of their family and professional responsibilities.
Let me share three main ideas with you on this topic...
Generosity in Business
Generosity in business doesn't just mean giving away profits or resources; it's about the attitude and values a leader brings to their workplace.
Q: As a Christian business leader, how can you infuse generosity into your professional life?
Scripture: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
(2 Corinthians 9:7)
In the business world, a Christian leader can reflect on, and exemplify, the concept of generosity by asking themselves, "How can I be a cheerful giver in my interactions with employees, clients, and competitors?"
Generosity in Family Life
Generosity within the family is an essential aspect of a Christian's personal life. It's about sharing love, time, and resources with those who are nearest and dearest.
Q: How does a Christian business leader ensure that they are generous within their family?
Scripture: "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)
Did you catch what the scripture says? Not being generous to our family shows that we are "worse than an unbeliever"! To foster generosity within the context of family, we should take a moment to ponder, "Am I providing for my family in a way that reflects my Christian values? How can I be more generous with my time, love, and support at home?"
Generosity as a Reflection of Faith
Generosity is a powerful expression of our faith. It goes beyond financial contributions and extends to acts of kindness, compassion, and goodwill.
Q: How does generosity align with Christian values and beliefs, and how does it manifest in the life of a Christian business leader?
Scripture: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Matthew 6:21)
To assess the role of generosity in our faith, we need to take a moment and ask ourselves, "Where do I invest my treasures, and how does it reflect the state of my heart and my faith? How can I better align my actions with my Christian beliefs?"
Generosity is not just a virtue but a way of life for a Christian business leader. It's an essential part of our continuous pursuit of excellence in Business, Life and Spirit.
It's a bridge that connects our professional endeavors with our faith and personal values.
As we reflect on the role of generosity in these parts of our life, it's essential to remember that it's not just about giving away material possessions; it's about giving love, time, and compassion, in abundance to everyone around us.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the generous love and blessings you have poured into my life. I ask for your guidance as I navigate my roles of Christ-follower in the business community and in my family. Help me to be cheerful in all I do, and to provide for my family in ways that reflect your love, and to let my generosity be a testimony of my faith in You. May my generous actions align with my Christian beliefs, and may I find the wisdom to invest the treasures You have given me into the lives of others.
Amen.
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Cell: 403-390-3772
Email: president@corpath.ca
Web: www.corpath.ca
“Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit”
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
