George Gilder, in writing about the role of generosity in creating economic health, says,

…the heart of the system must always be giving, not taking, or the body (the economic system) will run down and rot.¹

Giving, not taking. As you approach the marketplace today, do you believe this? Sure, money is tight and you don’t want to give away “the farm,” but is your spirit toward your customers, your colleagues, and your employees generous? Do you approach the marketplace thinking how much you can get out of it or how much you can put into it?

So much of teaching from churches and religious types is about giving. But the scriptures talk about something broader, a life of generosity.

The opening paragraphs of the Bible describe a God who creates an incredible world, full of life and beauty and joy, then gives it to humankind. What does this say about one of the purposes of business?

• If someone wrote an opening paragraph about you, would it highlight your generosity?
• You may "give" but are you generous?

“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.”(Proverbs 3:27, The Message)