W06 Generosity and Money

 

This week's article “What's a Business For” by Charles Handy discusses capitalism, and some of the pros and cons as viewed by the world. Many people believe the word capitalism is evil inherently in itself, but it does not need to be. If a company demonstrates its mission is about bettering life other people they can prove that corporations can be virtuous and their actions and success bring the greater good of mankind all around the world. As Mr. Handy explains the real justification for business is not to make a profit but to make money so the business can grow to be something more or better. The real justification is to make social change. Profitable companies can promote social change because they have the money and backing of stakeholders to do so.

In “Attitude on Money” by Stephen W. Gibson I learned that people see money differently. Just like glasses with a filter provided different view our upbringing also influences our adult view on money. For example, my parents believed in staying out of debt. My father was not a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but he believed the principle of staying out of debt was the way to success. He was also a successful entrepreneur that invested in many businesses throughout his career. His spirit of entrepreneurship allowed him to raise a large family and have the means to do so. My attitude on money comes directly from the themes that I was taught in my youth. since I grew up thinking debt was a bad thing as a adult that has followed me through and has helped me provide a sound financial backing for my own family. My view on money affects all aspect of my life. Living within our budget allows us to be generous with others.

Brother Gibson offers 6 rules to live prosperously. First, have faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you believe all things are possible through our Savoir then it will manifest in your life. Secondly, keep the commandments of God. Keeping close to our Father in Heaven will bring blessings. By paying our tithes and offerings the blessings of Heaven will flow upon us. Rule three is to be self-reliant, there is freedom in knowing you only need to rely on yourself to have food in your belly and a roof over your head. Number four is getting an education.  Lifelong learning will help you grow and progress in this life and bring you closer to exaltation. Fifth, learn how to become wealthy. There are many examples of people have become wealthy, learn of them read their books, and practice what they preach. The final rule is about being generous. When someone needs help financially help them. In Elder Holland’s talk “Are We Not All Beggars” he reminded us not to judge someone's situation. If someone needs help, help them as Christ would without being judgmental.

Muhammad Yunus is a great example of an entrepreneur that worked with impoverished people in India. He had a vision that given the opportunity and the financing to make a better life for themselves people would succeed.  Mr. Yunus started a bank because corporate ranks would not see past a piece of paper that explained someone's creditworthiness. Even people that live in poverty are creditworthy if given the chance.

Elder Gay discussed how we need to think beyond ourselves in the situations that we live in. There are many refugees all over the world that need a chance, that need to see the light of Christ in their life. What can we do to provide that two people in our community? Elder Gay’s talk helped me realize that I needed to focus more on refugees, he inspired me to start by putting together refugees kits as an activity with the young women in our ward.