When you hear the word giving, what comes to mind? Why does money stand out? While reading this post, I want you to do me a favor. Do not envision it in terms of money. Giving is of the heart. There is no money in any person’s heart, is there?

John 3:16 does not say, ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave money.’ No, He gave His Son – His only Son. His giving was sacrificial. Sacrificial giving is of the heart.

You give to someone or something you love. I do not approach my wife each morning and say, “Pam, I love you, and here is $20 to show my love. She does not do this to me, either. Nor do you to your spouse, or children.

How do you express love to your spouse and children? Love is expressed through actions, acts of service and devotion. Love is from the heart. Therefore, giving in love is from the heart.

The same is true with anything you love. God and ministry are no different. Israel’s King David loved the Lord, God. He gave not only treasure, he gave His all. He poured His life into preparing for future generations as well as the generations he served.

In 1 Chronicles chapter 29, we read how service to God started with King David and moved through the order of leadership to the people of Israel.

 “Then the rulers of the fathers’ households (heads of the twelve tribes), and the princes of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with the overseers over the kings work, offered willingly… And whoever possessed precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord.” 1Chronicles 29:1, 5b-9, 17b

Notice the chain of leadership. First the King gave, then stepping down through the chain of leadership, each gave, and they gave willingly. They were not forced to give.

Remember, giving is of the heart. When we give from the heart, we influence others to do likewise. Every person is in leadership. Each person is influential in someone’s life. You have influence in the lives of others. Someone is watching you and being influenced by your actions. Every action you make in front of or on behalf of others is giving of yourself.

King David gave not only his riches; he gave his all because of his love for the Lord. He knew all he had was because of the gifting from God. We too are indebted to God. Because of His love for us, we are indebted to give of ourselves to Him. Because of our love for Him, we want to give. Everything we love, we sacrifice for – our spouses, our children, our career, our ministry and our Lord.

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

Our giving to God and His purpose in our lives today not only meet the needs today, but also the needs of future generations. Your willing obedience to be a servant leader in ministry and in your life’s God-given purpose today has an eternal impact on today’s generations and generations to come.

Leadership is perhaps the most important purpose of our gifts and our giving. You have the ability and power to influence many others – those around you today and many other lives in the weeks, months, and years to come. Your actions and speech are influencing those around you. They will carry what they see in you and will influence others who will influence others also. Are your actions an influence of gifting that will lead to eternal rewards for those who follow you?

“We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.” Douglas M. Lawson

My prayer is that you will be a leader who gives. Give of your all to make someone a better person than you are today. This is the true sign of great leaders. Will you be a great leader giving your all – from the heart?

For more information on this topic and becoming a better leader/influencer contact George Yates and visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.