Introduction
Born in 1921 in a small Georgia community, his enormous success made him one of the most respected and recognized business leaders in the world. Although he was applauded by many for being an unashamed and devout follower of Jesus, he was also well known for something some view as craziness!
What Was So Crazy?
Well, Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, was...a magnanimous, over-the-top giver.
He once said, "nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else…our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return."
Success That Matters and Lasts
Mr. Cathy achieved success that matters and lasts because he lived and led based on Jesus' Servant Model. He had a heart full of genuine gratitude and thankfulness. He knew that joy was his reward for freely and graciously serving and sharing with others… Not just money and material things, but generosity on an elevated plane. He selflessly gave himself, his love, his time and his prayers.
He was true to the Scripture: "To whom much is given, much is required." He used massive God-sent wealth to bring smiles to the lives and hope to the hearts of many, while glorifying God by sharing, serving, helping and caring for others…continually making meaningful contributions to individuals, families and communities. He lived and led by the words of C.S. Lewis: "Nothing you have not given away will ever really be yours."
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The Poverty vs. Rich Mentality
My pastor, Jeff Dollar, says: Poverty is not a state of not having. It is the fear of not getting that causes us to hold onto resources God sent us to pass along to others.
People like Mr. Cathy have the rich mentality. They are love-based, God-dependent and unafraid to release God-given resources to care for and serve others. These special people and superb leaders know that unbridled service and sharing of all God entrusts to us are key parts of God’s investment plan for making us rich beyond comprehension and having a legacy that matters…now and hereafter.
Genuinely difference-making individuals and great leaders like Mr. Cathy recognize God is their source of supply and is the only true capitalist…who has given them resources to steward wisely for his benefit. They understand that God sends abundance into our lives not to increase our standard of self-indulgent, selfish living, but to greatly elevate our level of generosity. William Arthur Ward said it this way: "The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give."
Closing Food for Thought
Wise stewardship of God-given resources ensures that money, principles, values and spiritual guidance can be passed from one generation to the next. (From 7 Laws of True Prosperity)
Life is a circle. We get what we give.
When you are a magnanimous giver, you will discover that bounteous serving and sharing are not loss at all—they are the highest forms of investing.
I encourage you to respond to God’s out-of-this world generosity to you by lavishly serving and sharing with others with no expectation of reciprocity. Fill a real need . . . and see how it increases your own abundance and joy!
Riding a roller coaster is thrilling, but unconditional serving and unmeasured sharing of yourself and material and all God-given resources are absolute blasts and the best investments of this lifetime!
So is living the life of a grateful-hearted, service-minded individual, leader and sharer really "crazy?" Or is it an investment to be proud of and a legacy worth creating, preserving and passing along to others?!
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