Currently we concerned ourselves a lot with what is written in the Bible about how to deal with money/possessions. One text in 1Chronicles 29 really approachd me (Esther). King David describes how he and also the whole people of Israel is giving gold and silver and other materials for the planned construction of the temple. He writes that he is well-pleased with the temple of his God (V.3) and therefore he wants to give generously of his own treasures. David and the whole nation praise God and say: „Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.“ (V.13-14)
It deeply moved me to read how joyfully they gave of their possesions for the construction of the temple. David knew that in fact everything that he owns is a gift from God and that he won’t be needy, if he is willing to reinvest these possesions for God. He knows that it was God himself who provided for him in the past and who gave him so much, because he confesses: „Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.“ (V.11-12)
This is what I long for in my own life, that, wherever I give something of my money or my possessions I don’t worry inwardly if I will lack that money for my own needs. Instead I want to give with a joyful heart.
In the New Testament I found another text which motivates me to give joyfully and generously:
When the churchplanter Paul is asking the Corinthians to give money to help the believers in need in Jerusalem, he writes: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2Corinthians 6-8/11-12)
Paul mentions one aspect that I wasn’t aware of before. Namely that every support and donation we receive not only helps to cover financial need but leads people to praise and thank God. And this is really a wonderful and so important aspect.
And this is exactly what we want as a family – to live and give for God’s honor.