What is success?
People define success many ways. Typically, it’s through getting. The five laws and the biblical principles behind them teach that success comes through giving. Why? Because God’s word always accomplishes what God intends.
These five principles are the core message of the best-selling book The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann (©Penguin/Portfolio, 2007, 2015).
1. The Law of Value
“Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.”
Scripture:
Philippians 2:3–4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Devotional Reflection:
The world often measures value by accumulation—what we get from others. But Christ flips the equation: value is measured by what we give. When we put others’ needs first, God’s economy multiplies it back to us in ways we could never manufacture on our own.
- Personal life: Ask yourself, Am I bringing joy, encouragement, and grace to my family and friends beyond what I expect to receive? Even a kind word or time spent listening carries eternal weight. A friend and mentor still honors his wife after sixty-plus years of marriage by opening her car door and giving her a weekly bouquet of roses.
- Professional life: In business or career, shift the focus from “What’s in this deal for me?” to “How can I bless the other person?” Those who serve beyond expectation stand out in a world full of transactional relationships. Toward the end of my corporate career, I was blessed by an account representative who regularly went out of his way to train me on various aspects of his company’s software. I still count him as a friend.
2. The Law of Compensation
“Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.”
Scripture:
Mark 10:43–45 “…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”
2 Corinthians 9:6 “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Devotional Reflection:
True compensation is not only a paycheck but the fruit of a life poured into others. Jesus says greatness equals service. Paul says the harvest matches the sowing. When we serve more people with excellence and integrity, we position ourselves for increase—not just financial, but relational, spiritual, and eternal.
- Personal life: Generosity with your time and talents will create ripples far beyond what you can see. Your “compensation” may come as joy, peace, or influence in your family.
- Professional life: Leaders who see themselves as servants, not overlords, inspire loyalty and long-term growth. Customers and teams alike are drawn to those who go the extra mile. I was recently struck by a social media post from a former employee. She’d found a handwritten card I’d given many years before to encourage her in her new supervisory role. That simple act—which I’d forgotten about—still resonated with her.
3. The Law of Influence
“Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.”
Scripture:
Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Matthew 20:26–28 “…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Devotional Reflection:
Influence doesn’t come from power or title, but from consistently putting others first. Jesus wielded ultimate authority because He laid His life down. When people know we genuinely care, our words and actions carry weight. Influence flows from devotion, not domination.
- Personal life: Influence in your family grows when you consistently put their needs above convenience—your children, spouse, or friends see Christ in you when you serve.
- Professional life: Colleagues and clients trust leaders who prioritize fairness and empathy over self-promotion. Influence grows strongest when others know you’ve got their back. I still remember the time, over twenty years ago, an account manager was honest enough to recommend we not buy their software because it didn’t meet our needs.
4. The Law of Authenticity
“The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.”
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:15 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become… mature in Christ.”
Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Devotional Reflection:
God created you uniquely, and your truest power comes when you walk in that God-given identity. Pretending to be someone else—at church, work, or home—only drains your soul. Authenticity, rooted in Christ, is magnetic. Others sense when you are real. Many of us strive to be seen as significant. The reality is we are already significant because God created us, loves us and accepts us.
- Personal life: Stop comparing your spiritual walk or talents to others. God designed you for specific people and purposes. The best gift you can offer loved ones is your genuine self, walking in God’s truth.
- Professional life: Integrity and authenticity build long-term trust in business. Don’t sell an image; serve with honesty and humility. Authenticity turns transactions into relationships.
5. The Law of Receptivity
“The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.”
Scripture:
John 1:16 “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Matthew 10:8 “…Freely you have received; freely give.”
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”
Devotional Reflection:
Many believers find it easier to give than to receive. Yet the Christian life begins with receiving—God’s grace, forgiveness, and Spirit. If we do not learn to receive, we will eventually run dry. Receiving is not selfishness—it is surrender. As conduits, we must remain open to the flow of God’s gifts so we can give freely to others. This blesses us and the them.
- Personal life: Allow others to bless you without guilt. Receiving love, prayer, or support equips you to give more abundantly. A friend tells a story of when his eleven-year-old son had leukemia. Many of his business associates wanted to help, but he kept refusing. Then a close friend highlighted how he was denying others the blessing of giving and he should release his pride and allow them to help. It changed his and his son’s life.
- Professional life: Humility in receiving correction, mentorship, or even material help allows you to grow. Receptivity fuels continuous improvement and keeps the cycle of giving alive.
Closing Thought:
The Go-Giver’s five laws resonate deeply with the gospel: Christ gave Himself fully (Value), served the many (Compensation), put others first (Influence), walked authentically in His Father’s will (Authenticity), and modeled perfect receptivity to the Father’s gifts (Receptivity). Living these principles is not just a path to success—it is discipleship in action.
Find out more at www.thegogiver.com
Want to dig deeper? Below is a reading list that harmonizes The Go-Giver with biblical wisdom, Christian discipleship, and faith-informed business leadership
1. Biblical Foundations of Generosity & Service
- The Bible — especially Philippians, James, Proverbs, and the Gospels (service, humility, generosity, and wisdom in relationships).
- The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn — a short but powerful book on biblical generosity and eternal perspective.
- Generous Justice by Timothy Keller — explores how God’s grace transforms believers into people of justice and mercy.
2. Christian Living & Discipleship
- Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster — spiritual disciplines that root a life of giving and authenticity.
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren — emphasizes service, calling, and finding meaning beyond self.
- Love Does by Bob Goff — stories of radical love in action, echoing “Go-Giver” principles.
3. Faith & Leadership in the Marketplace
- Business by the Book by Larry Burkett — biblical principles for integrity and stewardship in business.
- Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller — connecting work with God’s mission and human flourishing.
- Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges — leadership rooted in Christ’s model of servant leadership.
4. Works Resonating with The Go-Giver
- The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino — a classic on success through character, service, and persistence.
- The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership by James C. Hunter — a parable-style book on servant leadership.
- Giving It All Away…and Getting It All Back Again by David Green (founder of Hobby Lobby) — living generously as a Christian business leader.
How to Use This List:
- Pair one biblical resource (e.g., Philippians, Proverbs) with one practical book (e.g., Business by the Book).
- Reflect on how each principle connects with one of the Go-Giver laws.
- Use the books devotionally: journal applications, pray over insights, and set action steps both personally and professionally.