We
have given you only what comes from your hand. (1 Chronicles
29:14b)
Listen
to David's heart as he splendors in God's blessing: Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able
to give as generously as this? (29:14a)
Awhile
back I read that an eastern European government had regulated the amount its
citizens could give to their churches. In fact charitable contributions of all
kinds were being limited to 2% because of the concern that financial support
for terrorist organizations is often disguised as gifts to charities. The
writer of the article reported that Christians in those countries are looking
for loopholes so they can give more.
Contrast
that with wealthier countries where many people feel no desire to give at all,
or find loopholes to give as little as possible. Why is it the more we have the
tighter our grip? Not so with David and the people of Israel. They were truly
grateful for all that God had done for them, and they gave with joyful hearts. God loves a cheerful giver (2
Corinthians 9:7).
Blessings
are given that we might share them with others. Abundance is meant to be passed
along. Every good and perfect gift is
from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not
change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). Knowing where our gifts come
from can transform us into cheerful givers with generous hearts.
How
can you cheerfully give extra this week?
Tim,
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few lists of people and their roles in Bible and it seems it is listed once an that is it. Can you provide some insight as to why listing names was so important?