Corporate Giving: Part I

Publicly traded corporations are usually focused on their responsibility to their shareholders, and their CEOs are often compensated in alignment with improving shareholder returns. But rarely do they consider another obligation they have – to God.

We have so compartmentalized the business world from our faith that we have forgotten that God’s Word says that God owns everything, including publicly traded corporations. In Malachi 3, God said, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.”

God bestows every business, product, and penny. The sum result of each person's life is more or less on loan from the Lord. Respecting his authority in matters of business as well as your personal life will end in greater prosperity, not necessarily always of the bottom line but most certainly of the spirit.

Imagine the impact Corporate America could have socially and spiritually if they gave as generously as God demanded of Israel. It’s time for a new paradigm in corporate America. Christian shareholders should begin encouraging the corporations they invest in to move towards being more generous.

Questions For Reflection

• Have you invested in or work for any publicly traded companies? How well are you acquainted with their charity efforts? How well do you participate in said charity efforts?
• How might you build generosity into your business better? What local organizations could you look into? What charities interest you most?