A Special Day of Giving

A New Hampshire man, Geoffrey Holt died last week with a  big secret.

The 83 year old caretaker of a mobile home park in Hinsdale, a town of 4,200 people, lived a curious life. Although he once taught Driver’s Ed, he had given up driving his car and rode around town on a lawn mower. He lived in a trailer with very little furniture, no TV or computer and wore threadbare clothes.

His secret?

Holt was a multimillionaire.

While working as production manager at a grain mill he invested his money wisely. Over the years Holt amassed a small fortune–$3.8 million. In his will, he gave it all away to benefit Hinsdale, to be used in the areas of education, health, recreation, and culture.

“He seemed to have what he wanted, but he didn’t want much,” said Edwin “Smokey” Smith, Holt’s best friend and former employer.

While most of us will never become multimillionaires, like Geoffrey Holt, we can use what we have, while we’re alive to bless the lives of others.

Today is a good time to think about generosity.  Today is known as GivingTuesday.

If you’re not familiar with it, GivingTuesday, was created in 2012, to be celebrated the first Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday. According to their web page “GivingTuesday” is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.”

“GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.”

“GivingTuesday’s global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.”

Christ-followers ought to be givers. The Bible has a good bit to say about generosity, benevolence, and the stewardship of money to do good.

“They [the righteous] are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing” (Ps. 37:26).

“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice” (Ps. 112:5).

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Prov. 19:17).

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need” (Rom. 12:17).

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1Tim. 6:17-18).

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).

These and many other passages speak of giving, sharing and doing good with our resources. Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

On this GivingTuesday, what can you do?

• Share kindness to your neighbors.
• Volunteer virtually or share your talents.
• Give your voice to a cause that matters to you.
• Discover a local fundraiser, community drive or coordinated event to join others in your area or with your same interests in giving back.
• Give to your favorite charity, cause or fundraiser. A college. A foundation. A food bank. A service club. A non-profit organization. Or community aid association.
• Encourage others to give using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.

Whether we’re talking about giving your time, talent, or treasure, the words of the boxing great Mohammed Ali ring true. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

Today, everyday, and especially on this GivingTuesday “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Heb. 13:16)

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman