Generosity: A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another
If great leaders err, they do so on the side of generosity. They are givers, not takers. They feel motivated to:
1. Serve others — to help them grow and thrive.
2. Solve problems — that prevent potential from being reached.
3. Save causes — that benefit mankind.
God instructs His leaders and the entire nation of Israel to imitate His generosity and grace. At the end of every seventh year, every Israelite was to cancel all debts owed by fellow citizens. If they would indeed cancel debts, model graciousness and forgiveness, and care for the poor, He would favor their land with abundant crops and freedom from invasion. Imagine! They simply needed to trust that God was in control and let Him worry about rain and sun and fruitful harvest times.
God’s instruction here provides us with a reminder of the nature of true leadership. We don’t keep score with people; we just keep on giving.
Taken from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
““At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts. This is the manner of remission: every creditor shall release what he has loaned to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because the LORD ’ S remission has been proclaimed. From a foreigner you may exact it, but your hand shall release whatever of yours is with your brother. However, there will be no poor among you, since the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, if only you listen obediently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all this commandment which I am commanding you today. For the LORD your God will bless you as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.”
Deuteronomy 15:1-6
No comments:
Post a Comment