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A Role for Each of Us
Several years ago the owner of an advertising business in San Antonio sold it for about $200 million
dollars. He then started a new business, intentionally keeping it small so that he and his partner wife could do hands on work. They now do about fifty percent of their work pro bono, using
all their talents, resources and creativity for the benefit of "clients" who sometimes have no idea of the value they've received. The advertising executive said that he's come to
learn that our giving "gives God pleasure" and he does it out of gratitude for the gifts God has given him.
This man is an example of those interviewed by Dr. Carol F.
Johnston for a project funded by the Lilly Endowment. She talked with men and women from all walks of life. Though not all are "wealthy" as our society defines it, all have been
faithful, generous and creative church and community leaders, full of faith and desiring to employ the God-given talents they have for the sake of the church and the larger common good of the
community.
Dr. Johnston’s research uncovered much material for theological reflection about giving and how people learn how to give. She found that giving follows involvement and
relationships. Without someone to encourage them, people may not realize that they have something to give. They need to be shown that they are of worth and encouraged to contribute, whether
it is their leadership, talents, abilities, or the money they have.
Giving is ultimately about finding one’s identity in the family of God. He gives us life, and with that basic gift
each of us also receives unique possibilities for our lives. When we accept these gifts and learn how to use them well, we develop our own individuality and contribute something unique to the
world, giving what we make of ourselves back to God.
At the upcoming Royal Treasure Symposium, Dr. Johnston will elaborate on her findings from this study, and share other information
about faith and wealth.
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