Those Who Give Change Themselves And The World

by Eric Elkin

“Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:7

"Money can't buy me love" is one of the most recognizable lyrics in Rock n' Roll history. The words are part of the Beatles hit song "Can't Buy Me Love" from their third album, A Hard Day's Night. Perhaps we agree with the statement emotionally, but we don't live as though we believe it. North Americans spend $25.9 billion every Valentine's Day showing their love.

When the song was first released, journalists wanted to know the meaning behind the words. I don't know what the reporters did not understand. The lyrics appear to be clear and concise. In 1964, though, people were looking for the hidden meaning in Beatles songs. Paul McCartney explained, "The idea behind it was that all these material possessions are all very well, but they won't buy me what I really want."

Ironically, the song helped Paul McCartney build a net worth of $1.5 billion. John Lennon, who asked us to imagine no possessions, has an estate worth $700 million. Both men grew up in tough neighborhoods on fixed incomes. Since neither one ever gave up their wealth, money bought them something good.

Money is not necessarily the problem. The absence of money is a debilitating crisis for many people and nations. Often, an unhealthy relationship with money can be a huge issue. This might sound radical, but it is true. Money can buy you joy. Happiness is not woven into dollar bills. It's how we use our money that can produce joy.

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

— Maya Angelou

Years ago, while in the middle of a capital campaign, I visited a potential donor. The person had no previous relationship with our organization, but she had a lot of money. When we spoke, I realized right away she would not give to our campaign, but I listened to her talk about life.

Her heart was full of worry. She viewed the world as full of problems no one could solve. This view led her to feel powerless and hopeless. The feelings made her feel like she was alone, living on an emotional island that needed to be protected. This view led her to see people like myself as a threat to her financial security. The only thing I took away from our meeting was her sadness.

Five years after our first encounter, we ran into each other at a church. I was supply preaching, and she had started attending the church. Between the two visits, she had discovered the joy of wealth. She learned she could impact the world by supporting organizations addressing its problems. The key to her happiness was giving her money away. She even told me, "If I knew giving money away was this much fun, I would have done it a long time ago."

Money can't buy you love, but it can buy you joy. I know this point to be absolutely true, and so does God. There is one catch, spending out of duty will not immediately produce results. Do not give because you feel pressure, give out of gratitude. Those who are grateful see their blessings and the impact of blessing others. When your heart opens up to this truth, and you give, it will not be able to contain the joy.

Click to read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11