As I quit my day, sometime late last night, I got to thinking of a phrase I heard from a very rich sports figure. He says something about loving to “give back” to the community. Trite words, but seemingly heartfelt. I wondered. What did he “take from” the community to begin with?
Hence my quandary today. Can you only give back what you’ve taken, and to only who you’ve taken from? If so, do you give back in kind, or is there a greater debt you owe your public?
Equations
Most of us are “takers”, and at least that was what one man told me one time when he was paying me to do some work. “You’re just a taker!” Actually, I was working a job for a need he had and he was willing to pay me for a skill I had. He seemed we were equal to the moment!
I never knew what he meant, nor why he said this. Shortly after, he canceled the work and slid out of my life. What I do know, the work revealed some issues he was dealing with and I think he was embarrassed I had found out. So. He lashed out. Both sides of the equation, though equal, suddenly tipped against me. For finding out.
But think about it.
We are all “takers” in some part of every equation. When we were kids we took a lot from those who gave us care, or taught us on every front. Then, as we aged, we transferred that position to one of “giver” as we raised our own kids. This is when you realize how much “giving” was poured into your life when you were a “taker.”
The sports personality was trying to say he was giving back to thank those who had given to him, but he was not necessarily giving back to those he had specifically taken from!
On one hand, he was simply using the phrase that we all expect rich and popular people to use. It makes us feel better about paying their salary! On the other hand, he knew he was blessed and rewarded for his skill and talent, and it is better to give than to receive.
But. He was giving out of his abundance. Jesus compared those who gave out of their abundance to the widow who gave out of her all (Mark 12:41-44). There is no comparison!
Think about it like this. A pond that never gives outward, and only receives inward, will eventually grow a skein of scum across the surface. It’s a “taker” only, and until it learns to “give” it will simply be a potentially nasty place to be!
Can We Balance the Equation?
We all know the scripture that says:
Give, and it will be given to you:
good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over
will be put into your bosom.
For with the same measure that you use,
it will be measured back to you.”
(Luke 6:38 NKJV)
The lead generation and business builder, Business Network International (BNI), has a motto: Givers Gain. It’s really a scriptural principle in action!
This concept of giving has been around for a very long time! Solomon even shared his view, and it’s a principle we should all consider.
Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
(Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV)
Someone who has learned the value of taking, and then giving, can only increase their position in life! It’s a principle!
How Much Should I Give
This thought was pounding in my mind as I closed my eyes in sleep. In fact, it nearly made me sit up for a while and ponder, “Am I giving enough?” “What do I have to give?” Money’s tight. Retirement’s around the corner, and this means more restrictive income. Health issues are starting to grow. The family has needs. Can I keep on giving, and giving? Where will I replace or replenish my resources from?
Then, the bottom line popped open this question: Who will give to me when I find myself in need? Maybe a sports figure will step into my life and “give back” to me? Wait. Have I given him anything?
Jesus teaches us always to take on the role of a “giver” and never worry about the outcome of our sacrifice. Someone will take what we have to give!
“I can guarantee this truth:
Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”
(Mark 9:41, GW)
Do you see the scriptural principle working like a cycle? Taking. Giving. Taking.
As I Age
I’m thinking this through right now because I’m seeing a different side of the age equation. My parents gave so much, and I was happily enjoying the role of a “taker”. But now comes the time that they are deeper into age than I, and it’s time to start giving back. They will now become a “taker” again.
What do I call it? The Cycle of Life. It’s simply giving back equal to what I’ve taken and to whom I’ve take from. Someday, maybe, my own kids will be in the role of giving back when I reach that age of needing to be a taker. Again.