Thoughts on generosity

At present I am working my way through a preaching series on Proverbs. I find it to be a real challenge. These pithy applets of theology are hard to get our teeth into. That said, once we bite down on them we can find that they pack a real punch. This week, the theme was generosity. To start with we looked at Proverbs 11 v. 25 – 28. This gave an opportunity to outline where a Christian theology of generosity has come from:

Building on God’s prior example in creation, salvation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the church has sought to echo his generosity.

However, we now find ourselves in testing times where greed often seems to have the upper hand. At this point, enter two men and a proverb – which sounds like a movie title, but isn’t. The proverb (28 v.8) goes as follows: ‘he who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another’. The two men are John Laing and Bob Diamond. Mr Diamond’s story is still being told, but suffice it to say that his earnings last year were in excess of £20 million, his bank has been fined to the tune of £290 million for fraudulent practices, and he said just a few months ago that “the time for regret and apology is over”.

John Laing, meanwhile, was once the CEO of Laings Construction. Early in his life he took the decision to honour God with his life and his finances, and racked up a number of enviable acheivements:

• His was the first UK construction company to give paid leave to its workers.
• He gave away 40% of his shares to help found a national youthwork organisation.
• He kept only what he needed to live on, and gave away up to £20,000 per year.
• He died with only £371 in his bank account.

His was truly an enviable, and generous, legacy.

Images: Laing & Brentwood Weekly News