In the book The Generosity Factor Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy note four areas that we need to implement generosity as a basic aspect of our lives. These are Time, Talent, Treasure and Touch. It is through the use of these four areas of our life that we learn to be generous and significant people.
Time – have you noticed that we all have the same amount of time? We all have 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The question is how we use the time we have been given? Paul tells us to make the most of our time for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). By this, he means to use the opportunities that come our way to sow into the kingdom of God.
Talent – according to Jesus, all of us have been given one or more abilities or gifts. Not only that, but if we use those abilities and gifts they will produce fruit for our efforts. Fear stops us from using those abilities and gifts to their fullest and produces negative habits in our lives that prevent us from prospering in the things we do (Matt 25:14- 30). God gives us abilities and gifts so we can prosper in the world, as well as assist Him in the establishment and building of His Kingdom.
Treasure – we all have treasure to some extent or other. The question is, does our treasure have us or do we have it. Paul notes that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5-6). Some people take this to mean that money or material possessions themselves are evil. However, the question of money or material things relates to our heart’s desires and determines whether we have our treasure or our treasure has us. Some people love money and use people to get it, when we are supposed to love people and use money. Both poor and rich people can have a love of money. God wants us to turn away from the love of money to love and serve Him. He calls us to give generously to His Church and to others so that we might prosper in all we do (Malachi 3:10 -12).
Touch – refers to what we give to others personally in the way of encouragement, support and assistance. Too many dreams or great ideas die in the early stages of their growth because there was no one there to encourage, support and assist. Many people never reach their full potential because no one took the personal interest in them to see them through. Paul tells us to be involved in what interests others and not simply our own interests (Philippians 2:1-4).
Each of these areas are prominent in God’s call to us to be generous people . We are not necessarily novices in these areas. God has stretched us year after year so we grow stronger in the generous part of our lives. We also work hard at diminishing the self-centered part of us that so often wants to take control. However, we need to allow God to extend us further so that not only do we prosper, but His work also prospers through us. This not only involves commitment in these areas, but a willingness to learn new dynamics that make us more effective with our: use of time; development of our abilities and skills; prospering in the financial areas of our lives so we can sow into God’s kingdom and church the resources it needs to impact our community, city and nation; and allowing our personal touch to be something that lifts the spirits of others so they can soar in the things that God is calling them to do.
