If you knew that God would provide you all the financial resources, surround you with the right people, and give you all the wisdom you need to make one positive change in our world, what change would you make?

    I want to change people’s mindset about giving. I want them to see that God has called us to give generously while we’re alive. I believe our culture is wrongly caught up with how to hand off inheritances in tax efficient ways. We should focus on how to share God’s resources generously right now. When I read God’s promises to those who give generously and the joy that comes of it, I conclude that most of us are missing the boat.

    I want to write a book on “living giving.” But as soon as I articulate that desire, the noise between my ears gets louder. How can I even embrace the goal to write a book when I struggle to publish blog posts?! I feel more frustrated with writing than not. When I look at the time and resources I invest to sharpen my writing skills and how hard it is to produce quality content twice a month, I ask myself, “Who are you kidding? You really think you can write a book?” When I feel discouraged as a writer, my confidence wanes that I can write a book that people will want to read.

     Do you know what keeps me going? I believe God has given me a biblically based, life-changing message around giving, and book is the most effective vehicle to communicate it. Quitting is not an option! I need to figure out how to write my book in a way that inspires people and motivates them to make the paradigm shift from leaving behind resources at death, to “living giving,” the biblical model Jesus has given us. I want to show people how they can leverage the principle of compounding, especially when a young family member has so much investment time on his side. I want people to learn how to think outside the box and be creative about how to give with the resources God has already entrusted to them. This is how I want to impact the world.

     What about you? How do you want to change the world? Do you have noise between your ears? Do you question whether or not you can change the world? It might be a new invention. It might be a persuasive idea. It might be a better model to deliver care to someone. In The Purpose Driven Life, author Rick Warren shares the acronym, SHAPE, to determine how God ordained us to make a difference in His world:

     S – Spiritual Gifts – What are your spiritual gifts?

     H – Heart – What is your passion? What do you love to do?

     A – Abilities – What are your God-given abilities, aptitudes, skillsets, special training, etc?

     P – Personality – Where does my personality best suit me to serve?

     E – Experiences – What life experiences have I had that I can use to make a difference for others?

     If you’re wondering how you can positively change the world, ask yourself, “What is my S.H.A.P.E.?” Rick Warren says, “Your ministry will be most effective and fulfilling when you use your gifts and abilities in the area of your heart’s desire in a way that best expresses your personality and experience.”

    When I’m tempted to quit, I am reminded that God has given me a “SHAPE” for the passion of “living giving.” I want to show you how little it takes to change lives through Roth IRAs or 529 plans. I want to show you how you can use life insurance by gifting premium for a family member. There are other ideas to illustrate “living giving.”

     I don’t have to worry about the financial resources this might entail because God owns it all. He knows how to provide what I need financially. I also don’t need to worry about finding wisdom. James 1:5 invites us to ask God to give us “generous portions of wisdom,” and He will supply it. In the end God has given each of us a “S.H.A.P.E” that He wants us to use to change His world. He is the one who has given you the passion, so He will supply all that you need to accomplish it. It’s time to stop listening to the noise between our ears and stop wasting time that could be spent making a difference now.

     How do you want to change the world? If you’re not sure, assess your S.H.A.P.E. and see what God may be preparing for you to do. Eph 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.

Blessings,

Lee Ann