How to Give with an Eternal Mindset

An eternal mindset is a mind focused on the unseen realm, on things above rather than on the temporary things of life. The act of giving with an eternal mindset is the recognition that our gifts have the power to impact not just the here and now, but the things of eternity. When we give to a cause greater than ourselves, we are participating in an act that has the potential to outlive us. Jesus told the disciples that when they give to the needy they will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. Somehow, we are eternally intertwined with our giving and the people we give to. In The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn wrote, “Giving is a giant lever positioned on the fulcrum of this world allowing us to move mountains in the next world. Because we give, eternity will be different – for others and for us.” God uses our giving for His eternal work. When we give we set a trajectory of impact that only God fully knows.

Giving with an Eternal Mindset is Giving to Advance the Kingdom of God

The story of Sunrise Children’s Services is a vivid example of how God can use the act of giving to shape eternity. A few women from Walnut Street Baptist Church in downtown Louisville gave their lives to care for orphans in 1869. I am sure these women could never imagine how their gift of service would outlive them, saving thousands of children over the course of 155 years. Not only did their generosity outlive them, it multiplied. Many were then inspired to also give of themselves. Through the selfless generosity of individuals, God has used Sunrise to rescue boys and girls from desperate situations and redeem them to the hope found in Him. Giving with an eternal mindset is trusting that God will use the tangible to further His kingdom work.

Giving with an Eternal Mindset is Giving with the End in Mind

Having an eternal mindset means wisely planning the best course for your contributions. This is often achieved by what is known as legacy giving. A legacy gift is a gift that can continue to make an influence even after your time on earth has passed. Through legacy giving, your memory, influence, and testimony will live on. This will make an impact for generations to come and potentially have an even greater eternal impact. Legacy giving does not have to involve a large amount; rather, giving with an eternal mindset means strategically planning one’s contributions with the end goal of maximizing impact. This type of giving can change countless lives and create a lasting legacy. Legacy giving does not have to wait until one passes away. To serve you in this important area, Sunrise has entered into a partnership with PhilanthroCorp. They are a national will and estate planning firm and provide Sunrise supporters with free confidential estate planning services. To learn more about how you can take advantage of this important opportunity, go to sunrise.org/legacy-gifts-and-estate-planning.

Giving with an Eternal Mindset is Modeling the Love of Jesus

The life of Jesus was characterized by generosity. Whether through His teachings or miracles, He gave freely. Even in death, Jesus gave and thus fulfilled the ultimate purpose of eternity. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His life as a ransom for many, so that we might be made righteous. There is no greater gift than to give one’s life for another. God gave his only son so that we may have eternal life. Giving with an eternal mindset is participating in the divine narrative of love and redemption. This echoes Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Giving with an eternal mindset acknowledges that giving is a spiritual act that has the transformative power to change lives for eternity. Sunrise Children’s Services is a perfect example of this, demonstrating how generosity can perpetuate a cycle of hope and redemption that impacts countless lives. By supporting Sunrise, you align with a mission that is deeply rooted in the principle of eternal generosity. This concept goes beyond philanthropy; it’s about participating in a divine story that is still being written.

“IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE A MISSION CLOSER TO THE HEART OF JESUS THAN ONE SERVING THE MOST VULNERABLE OF CHILDREN. AS A FRIEND AND SUPPORTER OF SUNRISE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, IT WOULD BE OUR HONOR TO HELP YOU CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN THAT REFLECTS NOT JUST YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR LOVED ONES, BUT THAT ALSO CAN HELP PERPETUATE THIS IMPORTANT MINISTRY FAR INTO THE FUTURE.” David Keesling Founder, PhilanthroCorp

Written by Jake Pelfrey, Vice President of Marketing and Advancement. To learn more about maximizing your contribution to Sunrise, contact Jake Pelfrey at jpelfrey@sunrise.org.