By: Dean Niewolny, Chief Executive Officer of Halftime Institute
“Giving is not a result— changed lives are.”
-Bob Buford (1939-2018)
Gratitude and giving seem to go hand in hand. As we reflect on and appreciate all that we have received, we can’t help but pay that generosity forward. While the topic of giving is fresh on the minds of many during the holiday season, we invite you to take a moment to pause and consider The Finish Line of Faithful Giving in light of the following passage of scripture:
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
The Finish Line of Faithful Giving: 3 End Results of Generosity
1. Generosity leads to greater dependence.
“[Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food] will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
This verse reminds us that it is God who provides all that we have. Our time, talents, and treasures all come from His hand. None of these possessions are earned by sheer willpower- instead, they are entrusted to us under His sovereignty.
Giving helps us understand that what we have is not our own, instead, we are managers of God’s resources. For more on this topic, check out these 3 Biblical Principles for Pursuing Financial Freedom that will positively influence the way we steward our finances as Christian leaders seeking Kingdom impact.
Keep in mind that giving changes the life of the giver. When we practice giving, we follow Christ’s example of humility and service. From washing the disciple’s feet to laying down His own life, Jesus is the perfect model of generous giving. Engaging in a rhythm of generosity allows us to more fully enter into the life and joy God has for us as we learn to trust His provision.
2. Generosity leads to life transformation.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the [harvest of your righteousness]. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
What is the “harvest of righteousness” that the apostle Paul is referring to here?
At Halftime we call this harvest the “fruit of our work”– or the Kingdom impact of the investment that we make in the lives of others. We are abundantly grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside leaders and witness firsthand the life transformation that occurs in and through our global fellowship of friends.
It is our mission to leverage our influence for God’s purposes and we have the privilege of playing a small role in story after story that prove this value of Bob’s to be true. Giving is about so much more than writing a check. We’ve learned that when we make our resources and skillsets available to God, He blesses others in ways beyond what we could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).
Check out the stories below for a glimpse into what God is doing through Halftime:
If you would like to join us in fulfilling this mission, click here to contribute to our 2020 Year-End Fundraising Goal. We look forward with eager anticipation to see how God will continue to bless and multiply these resources for His glory in the days ahead.
3. Generosity leads to gratitude.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us [your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”]
– 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Did you catch that?
Not only does generosity yield life change in the giver and the receiver, generosity results in thanksgiving to God from all sides of the table. We are blessed to be a blessing and it is a privilege to be used by God to carry out his love and care of others. As others experience and witness this kind of generosity, they will “see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)
If you would like a front row seat to more stories of life change, be sure to keep an eye out for new engagement opportunities to come in 2021. You won’t want to miss these chances to connect [or reconnect!] with other Halftimers, engage [or reengage!] in your personal mission, and commit [or recommit!] to a life of increased purpose, impact, and joy!
If there is any way we can serve you in the meantime, please let us know.
Are you after a life marked by greater service, generosity, and impact?
Whether you’re not quite sure where to start or just looking for some accountability along the way, getting connected with a Halftime Coach and Cohort may be a great next step. Our Halftime Certified™ Coaches are here to act as a sounding board, thought partner, and encourager as you process and prepare for the season ahead.
BOB BUFORD is known for being the voice of a generation, a prolific author, speaker, and philanthropist whose immense and widespread contribution to business leadership, personal transformation, and the growth of the modern church cannot be measured. Bob’s book Halftime began a movement of an entire generation of successful business professionals transitioning to a LIFE OF EVEN GREATER SIGNIFICANCE and eventually to the creation of the Halftime Institute. Join us as we honor his legacy by exploring Bob Buford’s Top Ten Values over the course of the year.
