“The essential elements of giving are power and love—activity and affection—and the consciousness of the race testifies that in the high and appropriate exercise of these is a blessedness greater than any other.”
Mark Hopkins (1813-1878), one of the four principle investors in the Grand Pacific Railroad, as recounted in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 5.
While this is not the place to share this morning’s sermon (I’ll deliver that at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny, Iowa), the first point in my message on generosity is love. The Apostle Paul states that without love, our giving is worthless (1 Corinthians 13:3) which is why he reminds us to do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Hopkins helped build the railroad across the prairies during the gold rush. While others were intoxicated with having wealth, he at least understood the essential elements of giving it. He was widely known for his wisdom. Sadly, though thrifty and generous, he died unexpectedly without a will.
Want to grow in generosity? Exercise your power with love, and do it while you can!