Pay it Forward
In 2000 the movie Pay it Forward was released. It’s a love story and follows a young man’s impact in his area by paying it forward through showing kindness, care, and belief in others.
This idea is true about generational leadership too.
To transition well someone must pay it forward. There has to be a willingness to share information and freely share what we’ve received and know.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen this NOT happen in church and it’s tragic. When we don’t pay it forward, the next generation has to learn things slower and on their own. This can hinder the church’s growth, impact, and influence. As a result, people are lost and cities are overrun by the enemy.
However when we do pay it forward, leaders can run fast and churches can break through barriers at the proper pace because so one before them, Paid it forward.
We don’t have time to be insecure and withhold knowledge from others. It’s time to Pay it forward.
This is exactly what Paul said to Timothy.
“1. Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 2. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.”
1 Timothy 5:1-2.
The question is, who are you paying it forward to?
We must think ahead and share what we know with those coming behind us. When we give what we have, our influence is multiplied and the kingdom of God advances.
When we withhold what we know, we whither and stop growing. It’s likely we won’t transition well and the mic will be dropped.
I believe leaders grow by giving.
When they share authority and responsibility, and empower others, great things happen. The leader expands and can share more. Those that receive what is shared, grow and develop too. In the process layers of leaders are empowered and transition can be done well!
This is what we want in our families, businesses, churches, and communities. To have this we must be intentional and pay it forward.
We want this because we know it’s the right thing. So, it’s our time to seize the moment as parents, leaders, coaches, pastors, and business people and pay it forward.
Remember what Jesus said,
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Luke 6:38
Here’s how we can pay it forward.
1st – Think ahead.
This is big because our pace is so fast that we are often only thinking about right now. But the truth is, our time is limited, and we must think ahead to have a plan in transition.
When someone thinks ahead and plans an inheritance, and covers their responsibilities it brings a blessing after they pass away. The family doesn’t have drama and receives the fruit of their planning.
This brings peace, order, and a plan to follow.
The same is true for all areas of life.
When we think ahead and plan, the next generation has peace, order, and a plan to follow the next steps of what God wants to do.
We must think ahead!!
2nd – Want the best for others.
This is BIG!
When we want the best for others we will gladly pay it forward and set them up to thrive.
When we’re jealous and petty we will withhold. Insecurity hinders us from moving forward at our full stride.
Wanting the best for others is the heart of God. He has a plan for everyone and he wants every generation to thrive.
We have a part to play in this happening. We pay it forward.
I encourage you to set up the best generation to thrive. Set them up to win. Set them up to multiply. Set them up to increase and be more than you.
This is success and it’s what God wants for every generation. So let’s not get in the way and hinder the heart of God.
It’s time to be generous for those coming behind and want the best for them.
3rd – Have a plan.
God has a plan and so should we!
Plans are good and God uses them to accomplish his purposes.
To transition well and pay it forward, we must have a plan.
This includes the timing of the transition, the actual transition day, the finances in place, the leaders in place, the systems, and the changes that need to be completed.
Having a plan will set up the next generation to thrive and excel at the speed God has for them.
Plans give direction, guidance, focus, clarity, and a clear objective. This is needed to succeed in transition, which goes back to paying it forward.
What is the plan for your estate? What is the plan for the church? The business? The family?
God has a plan for his will to be done. He’s ready and he’s willing. All he needs is our YES!
So I encourage you to pay it forward. Be a leader who thinks ahead, wants the best for others, and has a plan.
Be intentional! God is with you and when pay it forward, it impacts generations!
The best is yet to come,
PD
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