To Have Success, Give Your Life Away

To Have Success, Give Your Life Away

The great Walter Payton, Super Bowl–winning running back for the Chicago Bears, once said, “I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field.” Payton had made the decision to give his time on the football field all that he had and was publicly declaring this pursuit. Ironically, Payton gave a tremendous amount outside football as well. His off-the-field contributions were so well known that the NFL Man of the Year award, given to a player who exhibits a humanitarian spirit off the field, was named for Payton after his death. Players who now receive this recognition receive the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

Giving is a decision. Most people in life are takers, not givers. Takers get all they can, can all they get, and sit on the can. Takers are selfish people interested only in themselves. On some level we are all takers, aren’t we? It’s easy to take but difficult to give. Giving is an attitude that sees a greater purpose to life, and it begins with a decision point.

Proverbs 11:30 says, “The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.” Make a decision to cast seeds of giving to, sharing with, and blessing those in need. Partner with organizations like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and local missions. Look for children who don’t have a father, and see if there might be a way to mentor them. Find a widow in your community, and check on her. These are just a few ways to cast seeds of good deeds. Over time, they will become a tree of life so that others can find the comfort of the shade.

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.

Proverbs 11:30