Long before the terms “radical generosity” or “complex business gift” entered our vocabulary, there was Stanley Tam and his simple promise to surrender everything to God. On April 17, Stanley went home to be with the Lord at the age of 107. In his honor, I’d like to share some thoughts:
I’ve had the privilege of getting to know business owners all over the country who have used their unique platforms to serve God. But when I met Stanley Tam, I learned what it looks like when a businessman truly transfers ownership to God.
The life of Stanley Tam is a powerful testimony of the spiritual prosperity gained when one surrenders completely to God. I knew Stanley personally and had the opportunity to observe the fruit of his life and his business. While every business owner may not be called to give their entire business to God, the fruit of Stanley’s decision presents a compelling case for considering the possibility.
At the very beginning, Stanley gave up control of his struggling business, US Plastics Corporation, to God by placing 51 percent of the stock in a private foundation. He said if God chose to prosper the business, he would use 51 percent of the profits to spread the gospel. At the time Stanley did this, he was only making $14 a week.
Slowly, the business began to turn around, and Stanley realized that perhaps 51 percent was not enough. He became convinced that God wanted it all. So, in the mid-1950s, he and his wife, Juanita, made the decision to give the remaining 49 percent, thus placing 100 percent of the stock in the charitable foundation. They chose to draw only a moderate salary from the business to live on.
The result of their decision is that over the past half-century, the company has generated over $140 million in profits that have been given to kingdom work. And Stanley’s commitment lives on. US Plastics Corporation will continue to give away 100 percent of its profits.
Interestingly, while Stanley was remarkably generous, his primary spiritual gift was not giving but evangelism. He spoke thousands of times to various groups and eagerly shared his faith with as many as would listen.
Well into his nineties, he was a powerful speaker. And I certainly will never forget the first time he spoke to me. I asked him what words of instruction he would give to a man seeking to follow God. He didn’t hesitate, but looked fully into my eyes and said, “One word: Obedience.”
I would describe Stanley as one of the most contented men I ever met. His simple obedience to God with everything he owned produced a life of abundant joy in his family, business, and ministry. By transferring ownership to God, Stanley’s life has become an inspiring example of a man that God made rich in every way possible.
Let’s steward Stanley’s incredible story well and pass it on to the next generation.
To learn more, watch Dr. Tam, read his story, or get a free copy of one of his four books, God Owns My Business.
Video courtesy of Generous Giving
