A Willing Spirit!

At an early age, I remember our weekly allowance given to my brothers and I with the understanding that part of it was to be set aside as a contribution to the church. I also remember at one point when the congregation was asked to increase the contribution for some particular purpose (I don’t recall what) that my parents told us if we wanted to increase our contribution, they would increase our allowance so that we could. What our parents were doing was teaching us that GIVING to help support the ministry of the church was something to give thought to and plan for. And they left the choice of the amount up to us so as to also help us learn to GIVE willingly rather than under compulsion.

Reading through Exodus 35 and 36 this morning reminded me of the spirit with which the nation of Israel gave to provide materials for the building of the tabernacle and the making of the priestly garments. The GIVING was to be a freewill offering. And as the giving progressed we read the phrases “heart stirred” (35:21), “spirit moved” (35:21), “willing heart” (35:22), “hearts stirred” (35:26), and “heart moved” (35:29), all in association with this “freewill offering to the LORD.” (35:29) There were also those whose heart was stirred (36:2) to do the work. But one of the most impressive outcomes of the generosity of the people was another need. This need was for the people to be “restrained from bringing” any more because there was enough to do the work and more. (read Exodus 36:3-7)

You might consider your congregation and wonder, “how often would that happen?” Though the congregation I work with is small, we have some very generous GIVERS. There have been times (in the almost twenty years we have been here) that needs have come up to which the congregation not only rose to the occasion, but beyond it. I don’t know how much each individual GIVES and I don’t make that my business. I’ll let our treasurer count the money and pay the bills. But as I read bulletins from some larger congregations I am often struck by how “under budget” the weekly contribution frequently seems to be. I am also struck when I hear of individuals withholding their contribution because they didn’t like something the preacher said or are mad at someone or something else. I believe in such cases some personal heart examination needs to take place. [Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox and get back to the point of today’s focus.]

As we GIVE weekly (not weakly) to support the work of the church, is our “heart stirred” and “spirit moved” to GIVE willingly? Though we may not know what others GIVE we are to be mindful of our part, remembering that our GIVING is a statement of thanksgiving to the God who has richly blessed us both physically and spiritually. As we consider the generosity of our God and the fact He has GIVEN us the best gifts, may we be moved to not simply offer God our “leftovers”. Rather, let us pray, plan, and purpose in our heart what we will GIVE to support His work.

Paul exhorted…
“(6) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (7) Each one must GIVE AS he has MADE UP his MIND, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.” ( 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV)

Have a great day MOVED BY GOD’S GENEROSITY TO BE A GOOD GIVER!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Giving