I got my first paycheck when I turned 21. Since my parents would not allow me to work before I finished college, it was after years of sweat and tears that I finally got to feel that check in my hands. It felt great.
All of my young adult life, my father had taught me the importance of tithing, so when I received that first paycheck, I knew it didn’t all belong to me. In fact, from what I recall, I gave away all the money from that check.
And it wasn’t painful.
I knew that it was only by God’s grace and my parents’ support that I had achieved a job, so while yes, I earned the money, I owed it back to the ones who got me there.
Remember when Moses was invited to the top of the mountain, covered with a cloud, to meet with God? One assignment the Lord gave Moses during those 40 days and nights was to have the people build a sanctuary for Him so that He could dwell among them. (Ex. 36:1-7)
The Lord gave Moses specific requirements on this build, and He asks that the Israelites bring an offering to him from “each man whose heart prompts him to give.”
The people responded well.
They brought “more than enough” for the work that the Lord commanded to be done. So much so that Moses had to send an order for the giving to stop.
Imagine that….today. What if God’s people gave so much that leaders would have to refuse their generosity? Unfortunately, many people do not realize the blessing they would receive when they sow into God’s kingdom. They miss the opportunity to thrive and instead choose to live “just barely making it”.
From that first paycheck to the very last one I received, I have given God what belongs to him, and hope to give more. I realize that He is not concerned about the amount, but the condition of my heart.
Can we give so that there is “more than enough” for God’s work to be done? May we trust that He will provide exceedingly beyond our needs when we take that leap of faith.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
*photo from unsplash.com
