“Money can’t buy happiness. “
That’s the common proverb, but its not true.
Money can buy happiness…you just need to know what to spend it on.
Just ask P.K. Subban of the Montreal Canadians. On September 16, 2015 Subban donated $10 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital – the biggest philanthropic commitment by a sports figure in Canadian history.
He said, “It’s not about the money; it’s about leading by example and bringing a community together. In life I believe you are not defined by what you accomplish, but by what you do for others.”
13 Insights To Creating A Life You Can Be Proud Of
1. The words “genius” and “generous” come from the Latin root “genere” meaning “to beget.” To have a genius for life is to possess the ability to generate well-being in others. Generosity literally enlarges your life.
2. Bill Gates is considered a genius – he is also generous. His creation of Microsoft made him the richest man in the world. His true riches have come from his generosity. Bill and his wife, and Warren Buffet started the “Giving Pledge.” They challenged America’s wealthiest families to give away at least 50% of their wealth during their lifetimes, or upon their deaths, and write a letter explaining why. Over 400 billionaires have accepted the challenge since 2010. Read their stories here.
3. Generosity and spirituality are connected. Generosity reflects a heart under spiritual transformation.
4. We are born with clenched fists – that’s natural. Healthy babies learn to open their fists over time. Clenched hearts are something else. When we experience unconditional love, we are transformed – our hearts are opened – that’s supernatural.
5. The way to master money is through generosity. The number one competitor for your heart is money. Jesus called it a “master.” (Matthew 6:24) Mastered by money, we become its slave. When Jesus is your master, money becomes your servant.
6. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts 20:35)
7. The level of happiness does not depend on the amount spent or given away. Even a little generosity is good for the soul.
8. “Like humility, generosity comes from seeing that everything we have and everything we accomplish comes from God’s grace and God’s love for us. In the African understanding of “ubuntu,” our humility and generosity come from realizing that we could not be alive, nor could we accomplish anything, without the support, love, and generosity of all the people who have helped us to become the people we are today.” Desmond Tutu
9. What we do with our money, best shows where our heart is. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
10. True giving is not an economic exchange; it is a generative act. It does not subtract from what we have; it multiples the effect we can have in the world.
11. Generosity is an outgrowth of the principle of stewardship. Everything we own is God’s. We are His “stewards.”
12. Tithing (the giving of 10%) is a practice of stewardship. Its one of the simplest ways to honour God. The ONLY time God ever says to “test” Him is in the area of finances. (Malachi 3: 10) When we give 10% or more of our income, it shows that our heart isn’t tied to our money – its tied to God. Are you a part of a church? Are you tithing to your church?
13. Giving is a miracle that can transform the heaviest of hearts.
APPLICATION: How are you creating a life to be proud of through generosity? Please leave a comment below. Thank you.
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