Generosity: The Greatest Investment Ever
Where military service meets Kingdom stewardship
Friend,
You've carried the weight of service. You've understood sacrifice in ways most never will. Now, as you navigate civilian life and financial planning, there's a radical truth that changes everything: you're not an owner, you're a steward.
Every dollar in your account, every benefit from the VA, every investment gain—it's all been entrusted to you for a purpose. And that purpose extends far beyond accumulation.
The Foundation: God's Economics vs. Wall Street's
Paul understood something profound when he wrote to the Corinthians about the generosity of the Macedonians. Despite "extreme poverty," they gave with "rich generosity" and even "urgently pleaded" for the privilege of sharing (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).
Here's what's striking: Paul doesn't present this as financial irresponsibility or reckless abandon. He shows us grace-driven generosity that flows from the heart, not the budget spreadsheet. The Macedonians gave "according to their ability, and even beyond their ability" because they first "gave themselves to the Lord."
What does this mean for your financial plan as a veteran? Your generosity should reflect your heart's devotion, not just your bank account's balance. But—and this is crucial—it doesn't mean throwing financial wisdom out the window.
Start with your emergency fund. Those 3-6 months of expenses aren't hoarding; it's wisdom that prevents you from becoming the person who needs help instead of giving it. Your VA benefits provide security, but civilian life brings variables that military life didn't. That steady paycheck might fluctuate now.
The Strategy: Graduated Grace
Jesus said something countercultural about money: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Notice the order—your treasure leads, your heart follows.
Consider this graduated approach to building generosity into your financial DNA:
Phase 1 (Building Foundation): While establishing your emergency fund and civilian financial stability, start with 1-3% of your income for giving. Choose one cause that resonates with your military experience—perhaps a veteran support organization or a ministry to military families.
Phase 2 (Growing Stability): As your emergency fund solidifies, increase to 5-8%. Expand to 2-3 causes. Add a local church if you haven't already.
Phase 3 (Established Generosity): With strong foundations and growing income, aim for 10-15% or more of your income. Consider establishing a scholarship fund for the children of veterans or supporting international missions.
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
– Anne Frank
The Multiplier Effect: Your Unique Advantage
Your military service created something powerful: a network of trust. When you pool resources with fellow veterans facing challenges, when you mentor transitioning service members, when you volunteer your leadership skills—you're multiplying Kingdom impact.
Those VA benefits? They're generosity multipliers. When the VA covers healthcare, those savings can flow toward Kingdom work. When your GI Bill covers education, that freed-up income can support another's journey.
I've been working with multiple pastors and nonprofit leaders to ensure their organizations are listed in Fidelity Charitable. Just last week, I was on the phone with a nonprofit leader in Colorado, sharing how Fidelity Charitable can streamline giving for his donors while providing tax-efficient donation strategies.
When donors use donor-advised funds, both the ministry and the giver win—it's Kingdom multiplication in action.
Remember: strategic giving through donor-advised funds or appreciated stock donations can maximize both your impact and tax benefits. Think Fidelity Charitable or National Philanthropic Trust. (More on this next post.)
Your Next Mission
Paul reminds us that God "will increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9:10). This isn't prosperity gospel nonsense—it's the reality that generous stewardship creates a life of deeper purpose, stronger relationships, and genuine satisfaction that material accumulation never provides.
As this newsletter community grows (185 strong and climbing toward 250!), we're proving something powerful: veterans and service members hunger for a different conversation about money.
One rooted in eternal purpose, not just temporal security.
Your financial plan should reflect your values, your calling, and your understanding that everything you have is a gift to be stewarded faithfully.
Ready to change someone's perspective on money and meaning?
→ Forward this newsletter to a fellow veteran who needs to hear that their service to the country can transform into service to the Kingdom through faithful, strategic, joyful generosity.
You didn't serve alone. Don't steward alone either.
Because the mission continues, just on a different battlefield.
Grace and peace,
Joshua Brooks
