The Same Spirit!

Though Israel (before the coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom) lived under a different law than we as Christians do today, the spirit of God’s commands and the intent He had in mind for the way in which life was to be lived has not really changed. Even with the command of circumcision as a sign of being God’s people, there was still the desire for it to be more than a physical symbol of that relationship; God desired for there to be circumcision of THE HEART. ( Deuteronomy 10:16 & 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Roman 2:28-29)

God’s expectation has always been for His commands to be obeyed -- not so much with a desire for rigid robotic obedience -- but as a willing response to the God Who had lovingly provided blessing after blessing. The commands and guidelines God provided were to be taken seriously, but with the desire for HEART INVOLVEMENT!

As we think about the Giver of all good things, consider for a moment the spirit of giving God desired. God made the command of tithing very clear. ( Deuteronomy 14:22-29) This tithing of a tenth ( Leviticus 27:32) was God’s way of reminding the nation of Israel of their blessings from him, produce trust with regard to His continued provision, and provide the support needed for the priesthood ( Numbers 18:21) and others as well. ( Deuteronomy 14:29) Though the giving of a tenth may be viewed as a good beginning point in planning our giving today, the New Testament does not require it of us. Within our freedom in Christ the New Testament places a lot of emphasis on our attitude in giving in a way that should compel rich generosity. Even our Lord focused the attention on the attitude behind the giving. ( Matthew 6:1-4)

As Paul encouraged the Corinthians with regard to a collection to meet the needs of those in Judea, we read…

“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, AS HE MAY PROSPER, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” ( 1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV)

“For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable ACCORDING TO WHAT A PERSON HAS, not according to what he does not have.” ( 2 Corinthians 8:12 ESV)

“Each one must give as he has made up his mind, NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ( 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)

Each of these passages is used to support the manner in which we give today. But is that spirit new? Are these principles only found associated with giving in the New Testament?

Note the following comparison from Deuteronomy with regard to meeting the needs of others.

“(10) You shall GIVE to him FREELY, and your heart shall NOT be GRUDGING when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.” ( Deuteronomy 15:10 ESV)

…and…

“(14) You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress. AS THE LORD YOUR GOD HAS BLESSED YOU, you shall give to him.” ( Deuteronomy 15:14 ESV)

Even at the time of Moses the spirit of the giving was to also be done “as the Lord your God has blessed you” (as one had been prospered) and ungrudgingly (not reluctantly or under compulsion) just like Paul’s exhortation. In our giving and our living may it all be prompted by a HEART that acknowledges how richly we have been blessed in our relationship to God.

Have a great day KNOWING THE CHEER OF GIVING!
Carl

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