Givers & Takers
I have always believed that there are two types of people in this world – givers and takers. But in thinking about these two groups, I discovered that A.I. implies that there is a third group to add to the mix – “matchers” or observers.
Givers are those that give freely of their time and resources driven to help those in need, serving for the betterment of others and contributing without expecting anything in return. They are outward focused.
Takers, on the other hand, are inward-focused, self-seeking with their interests, desires and needs placed above everyone else.
The matchers/observers are the ones that are classified as only giving when it can be reciprocated. Supposedly said to be balanced in giving and receiving. They will only contribute when the return will be in their favor.
I only have my story and life experiences to pull from. I grew up in a home where I watched my parents set the example as givers. They didn’t have a lot of money and still don’t. But not one time has that ever stopped them from giving. They have always given of their finances as biblically outlined; but more than that, they have given of themselves to help others. They gave (and still do) of their time, their support, their encouragement, their resources – preparing meals, visiting the hospitals and any other way you can think of, serving and giving whether anyone else did or not, never wanting recognition.
With this example before me, I can say that I have seen that the givers are the ones that make up 20% in any arena whether church, community, civic club, organization, etc. that carry the weight to support and get the job done.
They are the ones that genuinely care about and strive to improve the lives of others expecting nothing in return.
As a Christian, I try to live my life according to the Bible, believing this is my road map and guide. I see the Bible saying:
My question is which are you? Are you a giver? A taker? An observer? I believe that whether a Christian or not, this is a valid question for all of us to ask ourselves. Why? Because how we answer this self-evaluation will directly affect the impact of all of those in our realm of influence.
We are here, living in this world at this time and season by God’s design to fulfill the God-given purpose and plan for our lives. We are all given talents, abilities, and special giftings to enable us to walk out this plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” No matter what your profession, your beliefs, your social status, whether wealthy or poor, how we choose to respond, as a giver, a taker or observer, will decide whether we fulfill our destiny and our purpose.
This challenges me on every level. I want to be a giver. And the greatest example that I find of the truest picture of being a giver is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
In every aspect of my life, I want to live in such a way that it reflects the heart and mind of God – giving and pouring myself out to please Him.