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What is Revolutionary Generosity? The Story of Zacchaeus

7 months ago By The Signatry

If you’ve read our mission statement, you know that The Signatry exists to facilitate and inspire revolutionary biblical generosity. But what is revolutionary generosity? What makes it revolutionary? Generosity changes the world every day—but we also believe that God changes us, His children, through generosity. The revolution truly starts in the heart. The Bible story of Zacchaeus found in Luke 19 models how transformational, revolutionary generosity shows up when someone encounters God. Zacchaeus encounters Jesus Zacchaeus, a wealthy, corrupt tax collector despised among his people, runs and climbs a tree just to see Jesus passing by. Luke tells us, “He wanted to see who Jesus was” (Luke 19:3). We do not learn why Zacchaeus was so curious—maybe even the desire to see Jesus was a gift from the Holy Spirit. Jesus spots Zacchaeus from below and instructs him, “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (v. 5). The people nearby are not pleased. After all, Zacchaeus is not just any tax collector, he is a chief tax collector, and his wealth is probably thanks to his own corruption and the corrupt men who work under him. But Jesus extends love and grace. He reaches past Zacchaeus’s well-earned reputation as a sinner to invite Himself over. Zacchaeus is changed That kind of love is revolutionary. Zacchaeus is changed. He welcomes Jesus and says, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (v. 8). It’s the very first thing he does. Imagine if you saw this happen in your own community. Imagine that a local leader or prominent figure who is widely distrusted or disgraced suddenly vows to undo all the wrong they have done, and then some. You might think, “That sounds crazy! That can’t be true!” This is the revolutionary generosity that flows from a revolutionary encounter with Jesus. Jesus never asked Zacchaeus to give anything away, much less drain his savings to uplift all the people he harmed. It seems almost as if Zacchaeus can’t help himself. Jesus’s gracious seeking and saving of the lost (v. 10) is so compelling that Zacchaeus feels called to do justice and build God’s Kingdom right away. Seeking generosity today Revolutionary generosity comes from the Lord. It is something we can ask for. We can ask the Holy Spirit for inspiration, renewed passion, a fresh encounter with the gospel, and openness to see others’ needs. Revolutionary generosity does not always mean giving more. For Zacchaeus, it did (in large part to bring justice to those he had wronged). It may also mean: 1. Giving differently. Reevaluate how and where you donate your money. 2. Giving locally. Perhaps you have seen needs in your own neighborhood that you could help meet—financial or otherwise. 3. Giving subtly. One creative idea is to look for generosity opportunities that will not give you a tax deduction. Jesus wants your heart, not your money. Give Him your heart, and “crazy,” revolutionary things may follow.

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Family

What is Transformational Generosity?

11 months ago By The Signatry

What does generosity mean, really? It is often equated with financial giving, but it clearly goes beyond the number of dollars given away. In Scripture, we read how God intends generosity to be transformational. Biblical generosity means changing the way we think about all of our resources, not just money, in order to uplift others, strengthen relationships, and glorify God. So how can we embrace this transformational definition of generosity and shift how we give? It begins by unpacking a few major characteristics of generosity in Scripture.

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Family

Estate Plans, Life Insurance, and Donor Advised Funds

11 months ago By The Signatry

As you think through estate planning, here are some ways that you can continue your legacy of generosity through your life insurance and charitable beneficiaries. Donor advised funds are tools not only for today’s generosity but also for a legacy that endures even after your passing. Donors can maximize the power of their donor advised fund by naming their fund as the beneficiary of life insurance, retirement accounts, and other similar assets. Learn more about how to integrate lasting generosity through your estate planning by using these creative donor advised fund options. Life Insurance There are a couple of different estate planning strategies that can expand your generosity by including a donor advised fund as a life insurance beneficiary: Name your donor advised fund at The Signatry as the beneficiary of the life insurance policy. By doing this, the proceeds of the policy will be placed in your donor advised fund and can be granted to charities you have recommended. While there is no income tax deduction in this strategy, this option still allows for incredible generosity to flow from the proceeds of the life insurance policy when the policy owner passes away. Gift your current policy. By donating a life insurance policy, The Signatry becomes the owner of the policy, which would include responsibility for paying any unpaid premiums. The donor may receive a charitable income tax deduction, and when the donor eventually passes away, the proceeds from the policy will go to his/her donor advised fund and can be granted to recommended charities. We encourage you to connect with our team to learn more about how your scenario matches a specific estate planning strategy. Charitable Beneficiaries We typically think of naming children as beneficiaries within estate plans. What about including charities? Naming a charitable beneficiary is one great way to prioritize generosity in your estate plan. Here are just a couple ways a donor advised fund could serve as that charitable beneficiary: Name your donor advised fund as a beneficiary in your will. There are multiple types of bequests that you could use to designate how your estate will be distributed. You could specify set dollar amounts to be contributed to a donor advised fund when the estate is distributed. Alternatively, you could allocate a portion of the estate to be contributed to the fund. We encourage you to discuss options with your professional advisor and see how a donor advised fund works best for the generosity you wish to see carried on after your passing. Name your donor advised fund as a beneficiary of your charitable remainder trust. Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) are often used in estate planning, but they present a challenge: beneficiaries must be named when the trust is first established. If your wishes change later, it can be expensive to modify the CRT. One way to add more flexibility is to name your donor advised fund as the charitable beneficiary of the trust. In this scenario, the CRT must be distributed to one or more charitable organizations, but which charities will be supported can change even after the trust is established. Within the donor advised fund, the donor and his or her family can modify the recommended beneficiaries. An added benefit is that, if the donor wishes, his or her financial advisor can manage the assets in the donor advised fund. — These ideas are just a handful of the myriad of ways you can include generosity in your estate plans. We encourage you to discuss these and other options with your professional advisor. Through life insurance policies, charitable beneficiaries, and more, you can create a unique path that supports your estate planning goals, both financially and spiritually, all through your donor advised fund. This ultimately is the heart of The Signatry—we want to both inspire and to facilitate incredible generosity.

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Family

Generosity that Lasts for Generations

11 months ago By The Signatry

We all want our families to carry out our values and spirit of generosity, but how can you translate the desire for a strong family legacy into something truly attainable? At The Signatry, we are focused on equipping families to build lasting family values and generosity. Over the years while working with families, we noticed a common theme. Families who are sure of their values tend to be more connected and to live more generously. When a family knows what it stands for and has its circle to stand with, that clarity and community usually leads to impactful, meaningful action. That’s it—one of the simplest keys to generosity that will last and transform your family: Communicate your values. If you want to begin developing your family values and growing your family’s generosity, you can start with a few steps: 1. Invest your time and behaviors in what you care about. You must be the first one to exemplify the values you want your family to share. Whether you have young children or are an empty nester, how you act and where you put your time and energy speaks clearly about your values. Your financial giving can’t be disconnected from the way you live or the attitudes you hold. Children, even from a young age, will pick up on those behaviors. Remember, your actions are a form of communication. 2. Connect the dots between actions and family values. One common mistake we see families make is to assume their values are clear. While your actions or the charities you support might be evident, have you truly connected the dots to articulate exactly what the driving value is? Do you continue to repeat that theme? True, lasting, transformational generosity starts when your family is clear on why they give. We encourage families to identify 3-5 values and create short statements to describe these. Your family can’t practice what they haven’t been taught; family values statements give you a tool to solidify and reinforce what and why you support these causes. 3. Open up family leadership opportunities. As you live with intentionality, repeating your core values and engaging with your family, look for ways to pass the baton. Create opportunities for other family members to lead during each step of the giving process. Being able to take the practice from start to finish—identifying the value, choosing a cause and organization, and deciding how to engage in generosity—teaches each family member how to engage in a generous life as they grow. Even for young kids, early chances to learn to make decisions will help reinforce values and teach them exactly how to engage in the process. Sharing these responsibilities will also look different in different seasons of life, so giving everyone the opportunity to participate will deepen connection even through the various seasons. Family values lead to family legacy. We always say that generosity is the great equalizer because, even with differing opinions in the family or in conversations about wealth, generosity becomes a place of equal participation. You all have a common goal to work toward together—to create meaningful, positive change in the world—and there are few things which can so easily unify a family. We hope this is an encouraging way to think about the basics of your family generosity. No giving plan or list of charities will fully connect with your family until you all are clear on your purpose and values together. That’s where it gets good! Solidifying your family’s values opens up the door to clarity on what matters, to deep connections, and to exciting, transformational generosity. Better yet, those clearly articulated and embodied values provide a simple pathway for future generations to understand and follow themselves. Let’s live generously for generations just as God intended.

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Family

Use a Donor Advised Fund to Engage Your Family at Year-End

11 months ago By The Signatry

As the end of the year approaches, consider this question in your year-end conversations: how can I engage my family in building a strategy for year-end charitable contributions? Nearly a third of annual giving occurs in December, with 12% happening in the last three days of the year. While it is important to support nonprofits year-round, chances are you will make some charitable contributions sometime during the final two months of this year—what better time to engage the entire family and practice generosity together?  A donor advised fund (DAF) at The Signatry is an excellent tool that can serve as a home base for your family’s generosity while also minimizing your tax burden. Here are just a few of the reasons to include your whole family in a year-end conversation through a DAF at The Signatry this year.  A DAF allows everyone to contribute. By having your whole family on a donor advised fund, you can encourage all family members to make their own charitable contributions and see them show up within the platform. Whether $5 or $5,000, make every family member’s act of generosity play a part in one final, year-end grant recommendation to impact a favorite charity you chose together.  A DAF sets up your family for generations. Come together as a family to write a fund name and mission statement, then add it to your online DAF profile. This unique option in The Signatry’s platform exists to help you communicate to your family the intent behind the grants you recommend to ministries around the globe.  While you are writing a mission statement together, you can recommend your future generations as successors to the DAF. This creates a space to explain the importance of inheriting the fund and its mission and the value of carrying out these acts of generosity for years to come.  A DAF allows you to teach creative generosity. You can get creative with a DAF through both contributions and grant recommendations. If you have the ability, show your family members how to contribute gifts of stock or business interest. When it is time to recommend grants, The Signatry’s platform has a charity search tool that allows you to compare charities in similar fields and see the work they are doing. If your family decides to support multiple charities, it is easy to submit new recommendations in one place rather than giving on multiple different websites.  A DAF provides a track record. With your grant history recorded in one place, you can refine your family’s giving decisions based on how you have given in the past. It can be difficult to remember how much you gave last year and to where. With a DAF, you can look to see if you want to invest in the same ministries as last year, with the same amount, or spread out your acts of generosity.  A DAF invites everyone to participate.  Your family DAF does not have to hold a lot in order to teach family generosity. A DAF with The Signatry has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly minimum charges. The minimum amount for a one-time grant out to a nonprofit is $100. Supporting nonprofits with even this amount is a great opportunity to build the habits of generosity with younger family members. God is honored when we choose to trust Him, and these acts of generosity draw our families closer together around His love.  As you engage your family in year-end conversations and discuss using a donor advised fund to grow your generosity, visit our Start a Fund page to start your generosity journey today. 

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Featured

Five Principles of Inheritance in the Bible

11 months ago By Bill High

What does the Bible say about leaving an inheritance? Although the Bible is clear that a good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22), the Bible doesn’t prescribe what that inheritance should be or how much the inheritance should be. It’s one of the most common questions I get asked: “How much should I leave my children?”  There are at least 5 principles of inheritance in the Bible that deserve attention.  Principle One: It’s Your Responsibility to Provide Order. Sometimes in a planning conversation, I will hear a parent say, “Well, what do I care? I’ll be gone. My kids can figure it out.” When King David was nearing his last days, his kingdom was not in order. His successor to the throne was not clearly in place, and in absence of that clarity, his son Adonijah seized the throne. His wife Bathsheba was forced to go to King David and make clear that Solomon was to be king. She stated boldly, “And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him” (I Kings 1:20). As a parent, it was David’s role to designate who would come after him. Similarly, it’s our responsibility to provide a clear plan for our children’s inheritance based on these biblical principles.  Principle Two: God Desires Generations. Our western culture has taught us to raise our children to independence—for our children to go on and live their own lives. That notion of independence has sometimes led to separation, and even encouraged a departure from values. But God desires for families and their values to continue for generations. Consider God’s command to Abraham as a guideline for inheritance in the Bible: “And God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations’” (Genesis 17:9). As we consider leaving an inheritance, it should be with the notion that we want our family to continue for generations in an ongoing covenant.  Principle Three: Pass on Values Through Your Family Story. One of the most powerful forms of biblical inheritance is the family story. Can your children and even grandchildren tell how you met, your struggles, your growth—the stories that make your family unique? In the Old Testament as part of the annual Passover celebration, God prescribed that the celebration should always start with the youngest child asking a question: What do you mean by this service? (Exodus 12:25-27). This question was the impetus to start the storytelling, the remembrance of what God had done for them.  Principle Four: Love Equally but Treat According to Responsibility. While we should endeavor to love our children equally, it doesn’t mean that we should give them an equal inheritance. We see biblical inheritance played out when Israel blessed his 12 sons in Genesis 49. The oldest son, Reuben, should have received a double inheritance, but he was unfaithful, so he didn’t get the share. Similarly, sons 2 & 3, Simeon and Levi, had fierce anger, so they were disqualified. It was the fourth son, Judah, who got the double portion. As a practical matter, the larger the estate and the larger the responsibility, the more likely that there may be a need for unequal inheritance.  Principle Five: Inheritance as Mission. While there’s little doubt that leaving an inheritance is a great gift, in Giving It All Away and Getting It All Back Again: The Way of Living Generously, David Green states that the first inheritance should be a set of values, virtues and work ethic. When it comes to financial wealth—particularly when larger amounts are involved—David points out that he would rather not have wealth if it meant losing one of his children or grandchildren for eternity. The more a family is aligned around a vision, a mission and a set of values, there’s a greater reason to keep family wealth together as biblical inheritances teaches.  There’s little doubt that I’ve only skimmed the surface on the biblical principles of inheritance. More of these thoughts and ideas can be found in David Green’s book noted above. However, I invite your thoughts and views. Email me at [email protected]. 

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Family

The Difference in Living Generously

1 year ago By The Signatry

When we think of someone living generously, we don’t often focus on the checks they write or the tax breaks they receive. Most often, when we observe someone living a generous life, we notice how they spend their time, the work they do for the common good, and the character behind their acts of generosity. When we live generously, it goes beyond charitable donations. It involves a willingness to give of your time, energy, and God-given gifts. Here are three questions to ask if you desire to expand your generosity:   Who/how can I serve today? Being generous requires intentionality. By setting your mind to seek out daily opportunities to live generously, your heart will be motivated to give in a deeper way. Thinking intentionally about generosity will position you towards situational generosity, where you can meet needs that exist within your community.   What can I give besides money? There is a common belief that says you cannot live generous if you don’t have money. However, living generously goes beyond giving financially. Acts of generosity like volunteering and serving require time and energy. These gifts are often more valuable to the recipients than money. Leave a lasting and priceless legacy by using your unique abilities and passions to meet the needs in your community.   How does living generously impact your legacy? Giving generously frees you. It loosens the grasp of material possessions and self-involvement. Living generously has a profound impact on your personal character and is a key training ground for younger generations. Making generosity a part of your lifestyle allows you to model and teach biblical values to those around you.   A generous lifestyle is an invitation to be a good steward of what God entrusted to you: your time, talents, and treasure. By embracing the generous life, you will leave a lasting impact on your community, family, and eternity. This post was originally published on March 8, 2019.

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Family

25 Bible Verses About Generosity

1 year ago By The Signatry

The Bible contains countless verses about generosity and giving. From the Jewish law and wisdom literature to Jesus and the apostles, God makes His call to sacrificial living clear. All verses are shown in the NIV translation. Old Testament verses about generosity Leviticus 19:9-10 – When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. Psalm 37:26 – They [the righteous] are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. Psalm 112:5 – Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Proverbs 11:24-25 – One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 21:13 – Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. Proverbs 22:9 – The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” What Jesus says about generosity Matthew 6:2-4 – So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 10:42 – And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. Matthew 25:35-36, 40 – For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. … Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Luke 6:30 – Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Luke 12:33-34 – Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (More) New Testament verses about generosity Luke 3:10-11 – “What should we do, then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Acts 4:33-35 – And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 20:35 – In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Romans 12:13 – Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7, 11 – Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. … You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Galatians 6:2 – Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 – Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Hebrews 13:16 – And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. James 1:27 – Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the word. James 2:15-16 – Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 1 John 3:17 – If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

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Family

Myths of Generosity: I Can’t Control My Generosity Impact, So I Shouldn’t Give

1 year ago By Nicklaus Bartelli

You may have heard someone say, “I can’t give a gift to that person, they’ll just waste it on something frivolous.” When it comes to charitable organizations, many people have a similar attitude; they don’t want to put their money in a place where they may not see a return. A 2021 study by the Better Business Bureau Wide Giving Alliance found that only 18% of Americans place high trust in charities. While you may not be alone in wondering whether your generosity will be effective, how might you overcome doubts and worries about efficient giving? Intentional Giving A third of Americans say they have given in the checkout line, and a fourth say they have given to a solicitor. While these are kind and generous acts, for most people they are probably not a good substitute for planned, intentional gifts. One fourth of Americans give $99 or less per year. That suggests there is a large group of people only experienced in casual generosity. Small, sporadic gifts are usually not the best way to feel confident that the receiving organization will use your donation effectively. 2019 study conducted by YouGovAmerica   When you decide to give, the Bible tells us that our heart should agree with our actions. We should not give under pressure, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving to a nonprofit is starting a partnership with them to solve a problem. It is not a waste of valuable time to research and understand a nonprofit before you give. Do your homework, establish a relationship with a representative of the nonprofit, and monitor their impact reports. Adapting a mindset that giving is a partnership and an investment to solve a problem helps build intentionality in generosity. This is sound stewardship of God’s blessings and provides a framework for answering many of the questions associated with giving to large nonprofits. Eternal Generosity Even with well-known, successful organizations, some are reluctant to part with their time, money, or resources at all. Giving can feel uncomfortable; keeping an eternal perspective can help. Ask yourself, “Is holding on to my money furthering the Kingdom of God?” In Jesus’s parable of the talents in Matthew 25, the master praised the two servants who invested the talents he had entrusted to them and made a profit. But the servant who buried his talent, doing nothing to increase its value, was rewarded nothing. Jesus invites us to be participants in His ministry, not to sit back and wait idly for His return. A wise and faithful steward will invest in what their master gives them, holding to the promise of return. As Christians, we are called to care for the poor, the prisoner, and the sick and to spread the gospel so that others may experience God’s love. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” — Hebrews 6:10, NIV Use a DAF, Channel Intentional Giving One way to practice intentional generosity is by opening a donor advised fund (DAF) at The Signatry. You can join a faith-based community committed to many of the same Kingdom-oriented causes that you care about. You can build a charitable fund in your family’s name, work with our team to identify grant recipients, grow the fund through biblically responsible investments, and keep track of your giving all in one place. To learn more about donor advised funds, visit our start page. Challenge Yourself When you join in a nonprofit’s mission and get to watch the impact of generosity in real-time, you begin to see all your resources as opportunities. Things like time, praise, and trust become tools of biblical generosity. Whether you are giving to the solicitor in the parking lot because the Spirit compels you or writing a check to a nonprofit partner, pray over the resources you give and trust your investment in God’s Kingdom. “Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8b, NIV Visit other Myths of Generosity: I Need All the Right Character Traits to be Generous I am Not Wealthy Enough to Give

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Family

Myths of Generosity: I Am Not Wealthy Enough to Give

1 year ago By Nicklaus Bartelli

If you can’t be generous when you have nothing, you’ll not be generous when you have everything. – Dr. Femida Handy, University of Pennsylvania This is a hard truth to embrace, especially in a culture that tells us constantly that we must prioritize getting ahead of everyone else. However, those who do get ahead often feel unsatisfied with what they have attained, and high net worth individuals say they need even more wealth to be “perfectly happy.” Adam Grant, a business professor at Wharton and New York Times-bestselling author, writes in Give and Take that the missing piece to true success is generosity — as he defines it, helping others. Those who elbow their way to the top often fall flat. Instead, Grant argues, the people who offer a helping hand to their peers, without expecting anything in return, become successful. Measuring success by financial wealth is as useless as building a one-legged chair. Measuring generosity by monetary giving is the same fallacy. With God as our sustainer, every aspect of our lives — not just money — can be used to serve others, and even the least of us are qualified to practice generosity. Giving Is Not Monetary Contemplating whether you “have enough” to help others misses a beautiful opportunity to love as God demonstrated. Perhaps one of Jesus’s most famous statements is that God “gave His one and only Son” for us! (John 3:16) God blesses us so that we will be able to bless others (Genesis 12:2). There are countless ways to bless others, as Jesus describes: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. – Matthew 25:35-36, NIV Notice Jesus makes no mention of wealth in the verses above. God desires us to bless others out of what we can give. Sometimes that includes possessions others could use, but it also includes gifts of time, attention, and care. There is no threshold or line of satisfaction that we must first meet before generosity can be activated. The only thing the Bible requires is that we give cheerfully and intentionally: You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. — 2 Corinthians 9:7, NLT There is an abundance of ways to show God’s love and be generous beyond money. God encourages those who have financial riches not to trust in their wealth, but to “do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). This is a call to be stewards with our whole lives. The Lord Sustains We are able to give freely and without worry because the Lord sustains us. When the Israelites left Egypt, God provided them bread from heaven each morning. Moses told the people to gather only enough bread for the day. They were not to store it up, for the Lord would replenish their needs every day. Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. — Exodus 16:21, NIV Some of the Israelites began to ignore Moses and tried to keep the bread until the next day, but the bread became full of maggots and smelled horribly. Moses was angry, as the Lord had promised to fulfill their daily need without storing up for themselves. They would be blessed with daily bread from God for 40 years until they reached the promised land. God owns everything at the end of the day. God’s ownership frees us to pursue Him. This does not mean those with great wealth and many possessions should feel shame; it is simply a call to live with our hands open and our eyes on the Kingdom. Storing up our treasures in heaven means living in a cycle of receiving His grace and giving grace to others, investing in eternity and not earthly possessions. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others. — 2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT We have all been entrusted with blessings to give. We can begin our journey of cheerful generosity today, without waiting on earthly wealth! Visit Other Myths of Generosity: “I Need The Right Character Traits To Be Generous”

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Family

Myths of Generosity: I Need All the Right Character Traits to be Generous

1 year ago By Nicklaus Bartelli

There is a temptation to envision “a generous person” as kind, compassionate, selfless — almost angelic. This picture of how to be a generous person is not accurate. True generosity often accompanies qualities like kindness and empathy, but it is a separate trait. It is built on top of the qualities and passions each of us already have. In fact, trying to become someone different, or relying too heavily on qualities like selflessness, can end up hurting your generous spirit. You Don’t Need to Change Your Heart, Display It “I’m not a good person.” “I’ve never given before.” Are these reasons not to take a generous action? The reality is that we have probably all given something before. Every person has a style of giving that suits them best because it flows from their own personality and heart. Have you given your time, listening to a friend during a rough circumstance? Have you been generous with your tongue, freely giving compliments and encouragement? Maybe you have shared your skills and talents, fixing someone’s computer or making them a meal. If so, you have likely given out of your heart, in ways that make sense to you. That is what God desires. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter4:10-11, NIV It starts with receiving God’s love. If we recognize that God is blessing us, blessing others becomes a natural overflow of His love and grace for us. There is no strategy, curriculum, or special status required to unlock generosity. Bring out what God has given you — your talents and the good in your heart. A Tough Love Generosity is not just about being nice. The person who thinks they must be nice in order to give may fall into the trap of never saying no, struggling to set boundaries. Boundless “niceness” probably will not help anyone. Instead, true generosity requires a certain amount of patience, prudence, and self-discipline. There are many generous people who wouldn’t label themselves as nice. Some ask hard questions of the people or charities they support. They look for feedback from the recipient and might look to give feedback to the recipient. Some of the most generous people we know are respected for showing this deeper love and support for the long-term vision and success of nonprofit work. Build Your Support Another temptation you might encounter is to think of generosity as a one-way transaction. As the giver, you feel the need to be independent and self-sufficient. You want to refuse the help, recognition, and support that might make your efforts more effective — or might even serve your needs. Truthfully, this generosity hurts. It is not honoring to God. Paul’s famous “body of Christ” metaphor makes it clear that God did not design any of us to operate independently. “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” — 1 Cor 12:21, NIV The irony of refusing help is that it can burn you out and make you a worse giver. The energy you have to help others can slowly deplete if you do not humble yourself to accept love from others, too. Selflessness is a beautiful trait, but it does not mean that you must not receive. Receive with the willingness to give back, giving thanks and recognition to God, for He is the reason you are able to give. —— Explore these two things: Your strengths within generosity. What are your personal strengths and talents? How could you channel those gifts to serve others? Your acceptance of grace. God pours out his love for us, going so far to offer His Son for our transgressions. How can you mirror this grace and allow it to overflow on others?

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Family

Choosing Charities: Six Questions Before You Give

2 years ago By The Signatry

As a donor, you want your generosity to have an impact. You may have a special cause that you are passionate about or see a unique need and an opportunity to make a difference in the moment. When it comes to giving your time, talents, or treasures, you want to know you are supporting an organization or movement that is effective, efficient, and eternal-minded. In this article, we will cover some of the technical requirements that donors should consider when choosing a charity, as well as key questions to ask when vetting an organization’s capability to achieve its mission with your support.

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Family

Challenging the Law: The Influence of Five Women

2 years ago By Carole Urbas

The Bible gives clear examples of how a woman’s influence is felt throughout the generations. Women influenced society in a variety of ways: through their households, religious life, economics, hospitality, service, and their overall generous nature. From Esther’s path to queen, to the determination of Mary Magdalene, generational change was affected by multiple women. There are several instances of this seen in the Old Testament, including the story of the five daughters of Zelophehad and their quest for an estate. These five vulnerable women came before their community and challenged the law of inheritance. Where a man’s property was to be inherited by his sons, the five daughters of Zelophehad were unwed and had no brothers upon their father’s passing. What happens in this case? The women made a plea for further explanation and terms in their desire to maintain their father’s legacy. They did not act in a hierarchical manner but presented their case by saying “let not our father’s name be lost.” Moses took the issue before the Lord who responded in support of the sisters’ plea. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘The plea of Zelophehad’s daughters is just: you should give them a hereditary holding… Further, speak to the Israelite people as follows: If a man dies without leaving a son, you shall transfer his property to his daughter.’” Numbers 27: 6—8 The daughters would inherit the land and their case would become precedent for other families in which there were no sons. The boldness of the daughters of Zelophehad provides an example for women today who desire to leave a legacy. Their zeal for bonding the family and carrying on resources is an important model for many women tasked with this today. Not only are women influential in day-to-day life, women now hold a major stake in financial influence. For example, intergenerational wealth set to be inherited by women is $28.7 trillion over the next 40 years. Women also control 51% of all personal wealth in the United States and now hold the majority (52%) of management, professional, and related positions. Financial blessings coupled with the life-giving nature of women is a recipe for impact in families, churches, and charities serving the Kingdom on a global level. — At The Signatry, we strive to help women recognize and live out this God-given design to influence humanity for generations to come. Several unique opportunities we offer for personal growth with women and their families include:

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Family

Stories of Motherhood

3 years ago By The Signatry

The stories of motherhood leave a legacy imprinted on our hearts. Sometimes, they are stories of quiet, gentle, sacrifice recognized years later. Sometimes, they are those humorous stories of family lore. Sometimes, they are stories of great sorrow and loss, wounds that God is healing. So today, we celebrate and honor them all. The women of The Signatry are celebrating the moms who inspire them so that as women we are speaking life to one another. Join and share your own stories that inspire you from motherhood. The Sacrifice of a Single Mom On this Mother’s Day, as we look to those women in our lives that have inspired us, for me, it is my mother. Growing up in a single-family home, her sacrifice to support my sister and I was evident in that she was willing to work 3rd shift at General Motors to make sure we were taken care of. It meant my sister taking care of me the best that she could after school each day. It included cooking dinner for the both of us and attempting to help me with homework. As an adult, I have seen those years of support move to that of a mother who truly is a prayer warrior. Instead of nights spent up with me as a child, they are now in fervent prayer for our family. She truly inspires me to be a mother of prayer and strength. -Rhiannon K.

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Family

What is Biblically Responsible Investing?

4 years ago By The Signatry

One characteristic that sets The Signatry apart from many other foundations is our commitment to biblically responsible investing (BRI). You have most likely heard of biblically responsible investing, but what exactly is it? And how does it work? What is BRI?: Aligning finances and values Biblically responsible investing is a proactive approach that aligns investments with biblical values and principles. This alignment of faith and growth yields a present and an eternal return by investing in companies that are making a positive impact in the world. The goal is to invest in businesses that create value rather than extract value. How It Works: Investing to create value Value creation is at the heart of BRI. Biblically responsible investing is more than just avoiding “sin stocks.” It is about investing in companies who create genuine value, innovation, and set up future generations for success. Our investment pools utilize securities of companies that prioritize the well-being of its stakeholders, customers, employees, supply chain partners, surrounding communities, and society. We believe value creation is a better indicator of an organization’s longevity, competitive advantage, sustainability, and growth, and that companies that are creating value are better long-term investments.1 Why BRI?: Investing is ownership Investing is the act of ownership. When you invest in a company, you become a minority owner of that company. Even if it is only a fraction of a percent of ownership, ownership should invite us to consider what we own. Do the companies in your portfolio agree or disagree with the values that you hold? When looking only at numbers with an investment manager, many people end up investing with companies that support values which may not align with the investor’s faith. This means while many give to causes they are passionate about, their money is invested in companies which counteract the very causes they are supporting. Funds invested in BRI pools not only have competitive returns compared to non-BRI pools, but they also promote good in the world.2 An investment portfolio should be more than a monetary return. We use BRI because we believe our investments should be a tool to create a positive impact and support businesses making a difference in the world today and for generations to come. BRI allows you to be a wise steward of your finances, the causes you support, and your testimony. Learn more.   Invest to Create Value. (2019). Retrieved 9 October 2019, from https://www.eventidefunds.com/ Eccles, Robert G. and Ioannou, Ioannis and Serafeim, George, The Impact of Corporate Sustainability on Organizational Processes and Performance (December 23, 2014). Management Science, Volume 60, Issue 11, pp. 2835-2857, February 2014. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1964011  

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Family

Stewarding Your Family in the Business Sale Process

5 years ago By The Signatry

Selling a business involves careful planning, but we often don’t take into consideration how it will impact our family. What does it look like to steward your family through this process in a way that will not only protect but allow them to thrive generations from now? When faced with these issues, there are a few important questions to consider: What should I give to my children? 70% of wealthy families lose their fortune by the second generation, and by the third generation, 90% have squandered their money. Clearly, passing on money is not enough to solve problems in our families. We often forget that there is more than financial capital to pass on; we need to consider the intangible aspects of wealth- social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional capital. Your children will be more equipped to handle financial wealth when it is preceded with the knowledge and family values imparted. How are my children equipped to handle wealth? How do you ensure your children are ready to steward the wealth you plan to pass on to them? Thriving individuals are more likely to handle inheritance properly. Are they responsible with their finances? Do they have a good work ethic? Considering whether the inheritance is most likely to contribute or cripple their life, is important.  Sometimes the most loving action is saying “no” and setting boundaries that encourage your children to grow. By passing on biblical values and placing a priority on the intangible assets, we cultivate healthy families and provide a means for long term success. What is God calling me to do in the next season? Transitioning out of your business can be an exciting time to pursue God’s calling for the next season of your life. Consider how you can use this next season to continue to cultivate family relationships and build upon your legacy. Think about the causes you and your family are passionate about. You can make memories with younger generations by giving back, supporting, and volunteering with ministries as a multigenerational family. The heart of generosity goes far beyond the money we are willing to give. It permeates everyday decisions and determines the legacy we will leave. Cultivating a lasting family through the sale process will require honest communication. A healthy family will practice transparency. If the challenges seem too great, it is ok to invite outside help. In the same way, a business sale requires advisors, you may want to invite someone you trust to help advise your family as you deal with difficult topics and proactive planning. Wealth does not have to break apart our families. By bringing a better balance to our families as we learn to pass on intangible capital as well—emotional, spiritual, mental—we set the stage for long term success.

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Family

The Promise Within a Name

5 years ago By The Signatry

Between the closing of the Old Testament, with the book of Malachi and the opening of the New Testament there is a 400-year prophetical silence.  After Malachi pens his letter to the Israelites, we do not hear God speak for another four centuries when the angel of the Lord appears to Mary and Joseph, separately. Joseph, a Jewish carpenter from the lineage of David and a man of honor, finds himself in a dilemma.  Mary, his bride to be, tells him she is miraculously pregnant. Undoubtedly, his friends and family are whispering in his ear to leave the woman he loves, because the baby certainly isn’t his. If he follows through with the marriage his reputation will certainly be tarnished, his status in the Jewish community will be impacted, and his livelihood will be hindered. Joseph surely felt alone and torn, as he pondered one of the most difficult decisions of his life. Then, amongst the other voices and Joseph’s own doubt, God breaks the prophetic silence. In Matthew 1:20-21 the Lord says, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” He goes on to remind Joseph of a prophesy written over 700 years earlier in verses 22-23, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). In the midst of his doubt and confusion, Joseph is told to not be afraid, and the promise wrapped in the name “Immanuel” unlocks hope for his future and all of creation’s future. Think back to a time when you were facing a tough decision and felt alone. Were you afraid? Did you ask why you could not hear the voice of God?  Notice, it was not until after Joseph had made up his mind to quietly divorce Mary, that God speaks. The phrase “Do not be afraid” occurs 366 times in the Bible and is always accompanied by the idea that God is with us.  Immanuel is more than just a name, it is an enduring promise and prophesy, that God is and will always be right beside us.  During this Christmas season, we not only celebrate the birth of our savior, but we also rejoice in the promise that was given us through His name, “Immanuel.”        

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