“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” – 1 Chronicles 29:14
As David and the people of Israel gave generously for the construction of the Temple, they demonstrated a proper and healthy attitude toward financial giving. All our possessions come from God and are given to us to manage on His behalf to meet our needs, to meet the needs of others, and to glorify God. The Israelites understood that giving wasn’t an unpleasant and burdensome obligation imposed by God. Rather, the opportunity to give to God’s work on Earth is an invitation to join Him in blessing the world and praising His name.
The Israelites gave joyously and generously. They were delighted to be able to return to the Lord a portion of everything He’d given them. They gave freely and loved being able to join with Him in His important work. Giving should be like this for every Christian. Through Christ, God has blessed us with all the riches of His presence, His love, His salvation, His reconciliation, His adoption, and His friendship. God is the source of all our material blessings and possessions. He invites each of us, as His followers, to give joyfully and generously to advance His Kingdom here on earth.
We live in an age of unprecedented ability to support God’s Kingdom work both in the local church and at the far ends of the Earth. For those in the Western world, we have incredible opportunities to instantly support organizations with solid track records of financial stewardship as they translate and distribute the Bible, provide for physical needs, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and reach the unreached with Good News. Who are we that God would give us this incredible privilege? We are blessed beyond measure and invited to experience the joy of returning our blessings to the Lord!