Wealth Creation Through Giving?

We have all heard that it is better to give than receive, but why is that?  Is their some magical reason that giving might allow us to receive more blessing?  My hope is that by the end of this post, you have a better understanding about how giving away wealth can actually build wealth.

We all understand the concept of Investing but tend to put giving in the spending category.  The reality is that systematic giving such as tithing can actually build wealth.  Though we don't give in order to receive, giving is truly an investment not only in this life, but the next.

Here are five reasons why I view giving as a great investment:

1. Giving takes the focus off yourself - When we are so focused on ourselves that we are unyielding of the resources God entrusted to us, it affects the way we interact with others.  Others will pick up on your inward focus and be less likely to trust you.  This will affect your ability to create the needed connections in the marketplace that will help you advance.
2. Giving feels good - When we spend money on ourselves, the euphoria does not last long and soon we are left with remorse over wasting money on something that didn't actually make a lasting difference.  If you used that same money on others, you will get the same euphoria, but are not left with the remorse because you actually made a lasting contribution.  This affects your own self confidence because you feel good about the choices you are making, which in turn affects how you approach your career and are likely to use that confidence to take bold steps forward in life.
3. Giving draws you close to God - The initial step of deciding to give 10% of your income requires a lot of trust in God.  This step allows us to trust in Him rather than in our money, talents, or abilities.  We all trust people that we have close and intimate relationship with.  You can' have intimacy without trust, and I promise that trusting God will build intimacy with God.
4. Giving creates opportunities - God promises that He will pour out blessing on us when we give and this is usually in the form of opportunities.  It's the sudden promotion, that new client, the unexpected gift.  Look around you, givers tend to get more opportunities.  At a minimum it will help you see the blessings in your life because you are not focused on yourself and your negative circumstances.  A few of God's promises regarding giving are found here: Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; Matthew 7:7-12
5. Giving develops contentment - A giver tends to be comfortable with their current stuff level.  Because you have taken the focus off yourself, you will begin to feel significant, rely on God, see opportunities clearly, and you will be less likely to try and seek significance in your stuff accumulation.  You'll know that the high of the next purchase cannot compare with that of giving, and you aren't trying to impress your friends and neighbors because that won't compare with the intimacy of God. When you aren't spending everything you make, you are able to invest it and build wealth. 

I see giving as the best investment out there because it has so many benefits both tangible and intangible.  I know there are many more ways that giving is a great investment and I would love to hear them.  Put a reason why you think giving is a great investment in the comments section below.