Marketplace GenerositySample

Be a Generosity Sherpa

When climbers from all over the world arrive with the intention of climbing the high mountains of the Himalayas [such as Mount Everest], they need guides or people to show them and accompany them through the challenges along the way. Those guides are the Sherpas. They are native to the area and have very peculiar genetic characteristics that allow them to survive heights more easily.

Sherpas have a peculiar physiology and metabolism that uses oxygen more efficiently than people living at sea level. Sherpas have thinner blood, with less hemoglobin and a reduced ability to retain oxygen, a characteristic that has the advantage of making blood circulate more easily, and this puts less pressure on the heart. In addition, they know the way as they have been many times and have accompanied many people to the top.

Their mission, vocation, and joy are that climbers achieve success in their own journeys; they are facilitators of the ascent, and they are invaluable supporters. In the same way, God has created a contingent of people around the world who are natives of generosity, they produce and distribute resources like few others. God has given them capabilities in this area. They are people with a different, generous, and selfless heart that allows them to survive in that environment. In addition, they have a certain disposition to accompany others on their journey to the top of the generosity peak in the kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul is an interesting example of someone who challenged, accompanied, and recognized others toward biblical generosity. In various ways he challenged and inspired the Corinthians to be generous (2 Cor. 8:8-12, 9:10); and on one occasion he recognized the Philippians for their exemplary practice of generosity by telling them that “…. not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only” (see Philippians 4:15-17). These Generosity Sherpas are not just generous themselves, but also their mission, dedication, and satisfaction are in multiplying the number of successful climbers, which catalyzes generosity among other leaders.

For reflection: Are you a native of the mountains of generosity? Has God called you to be a Generosity Sherpa?