Give! It's the only way to live!

Is your life defined by your possessions or by what you have given away over the years? Status symbols and branding have defined many over the last few decades. I know that for some owning a BMW, Mercedes, Lexus or that classic Mustang means you have arrived. Do you want to spend the rest of your life accumulating stuff only to realize on your death bed that what mattered the most wasn’t your possessions but your family, friends and your passion in life?

Why is it the case that those with less usually are those who are more willing to give, show compassion and make real sacrifices? Don’t get me wrong I have some very generous friends who have means and are awesome examples of being great stewards! Yet, the reality is that people become givers because they have experienced hardship in life where they have received grace and new opportunities.  I’ve heard the typical byline of how people that have means have arrived to this position in life. They choose to drive the same clunker car, have chosen to live in more of a shack type house and not a mansion and are usually unwilling to help but give lots of advice about becoming savers and not spenders.

So what has to happen for a person who is controlled by their lusts of bigger and better cars, houses, computers or smart watches to actually notice a neighbor, a friend or partner at work? I’m around two types of people, those with very little and those with much. All of them have to figure out what defines them and how they choose to live. The choice is to learn about being content with what you need in life instead of being controlled by your wants. My wife spent most of the day yesterday with a family that has gone through more hardships than 10 families. Yet, their heart isn’t to complain but to do their best and still choose to be givers with their hearts open to share their resources. 

So what inspires someone to transition from being a taker to becoming a giver? It takes being touched by someone who shares his or her life without giving a lecture on tithing, earth stewardship or carbon footprint? So what will define your life as you near your last day? Fancy play toys or lots of friends who you have given your life over the years?