We really need to change the meme – “giving back” to simply “giving”. The term “giving back” implies that the person doing the giving back took something that wasn’t theirs from the start. Think about it. It starts from a young age. Do you remember hearing “GIVE THAT BACK!” after taking something from a sibling to tease them? (I do – guilty as charged!)
The term “giving back” shifts society’s mindset, the way business owners are viewed from value creators (which they are) to value extractors (which most are not). As if the public is poorer due to the existence of the business.
Yes, yes, I do know that there are businesses out there (too many actually) exist as if their employees, the community don’t count for any part of their success and they don’t contribute much to the common good and if they do it’s purely coincidental, for tax benefits or to boost their image/publication relations. Those folks, if they haven’t figured it out, are on the way out. I recently read that approximately 70 million consumers prefer to do business with companies that have a stated set of values.
Business owners do more than make money. They view a profitable business and its success not only as a way to improve their lives but also the lives of their employees. Their profitable business also enhances the community by contributing to the common good by creating needed products or services.
Should business owners give? Certainly.
St. Paul (whose feast day was yesterday alongside his buddy Peter) encouraged generosity in 2 Corinthians 9 6-15
“Remember this: 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 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.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
