AN INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2023 – By Charles Schokman
GENEROSITY AT ITS BEST.
Soccer star Sadio Mané beautifully explains his approach to sharing his exceptional wealth.
Sadio Mane, a Senegalese soccer star, earns approximately $10.2 million annually. He gave the world a rude awakening after some fans were flabbergasted when they saw him carrying a cracked iPhone 11. His response was awesome:
“Why would I want ten Ferraris, 20 diamond watches, and two jet planes? I starved, I worked in the fields, played barefoot, and I didn’t go to school. Now I can help people. I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing. I have built schools and a stadium, provide clothes, shoes, and food for people in extreme poverty. In addition, I give 70 euros per month to all people from a very poor Senegalese region in order to contribute to their family economy. I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips, and even planes. I prefer that my people receive some of what life has given me.”
He’s sincere about that. Mané has paid for a hospital to be built as well—a project he funded because his father had died when Mané was a child because there was no hospital in their village. Last summer, he also returned to Senegal on vacation to check up on a school he is building in his home village of Bambali.
Sadio Mane could be anywhere in the world on holiday after a long season… He’s currently in his village in Senegal to check on a €270k school he’s financing. He’s already paid for a hospital, and he regularly gives out money to families.
Mané’s attitude toward his wealth and his choice to spend his money to help others are so refreshing. People are free to do what they want with their money, of course, and it’s not like Mané never splurges. But he tries to stay humble. In a world with such extremes of poverty and wealth, seeing someone attempt to balance the scales voluntarily does a heart good. Imagine a society where every millionaire or billionaire were as detached from material things and as generous with what they have as Sadio Mané. While individuals aren’t responsible for public welfare, imagine the wide range of good they could do nonetheless.
Thank you, Sadio Mané, for being such an excellent role model.
Listen to what the Bible has to say:–
Generosity is a simple act
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
Generosity is all about the heart
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.1 Corinthians 13:3
Generosity involves more than just money
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.1 Timothy 6:18
Generosity teaches us to trust God
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment…1 Timothy 6:17-19
Generosity is a blessing
… remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’Acts 20:35
