Giving as a Privilege (1 Chronicles 29:6-ff)

1 Chronicles 29-6-ff

6 Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work… 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “… 14 “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.

            Giving can be such a sticky subject. Christians can get a little funny when the topic of finances comes up. This is especially true if they have something they don’t like about the local church or a project that the ministry is undertaking.

            But look at the scene in 1 Chronicles 29. David and the people of Israel gave to provide for the building of the temple. Notice, especially, that when they gave, they then praised God, thanking him for allowing them the privilege of giving. David and the rest of the people knew what it would do us well to remember. God does not need us or our financial assistance. For God to allow us to financially give for the growth of his kingdom is him being kind to us, not the other way round.

            When you give, do you begrudge the gift? Do you wish you didn’t “have to” give? If so, there is a problem in your heart. We do not give because we have to. Instead, we give because God has honored us by allowing us to join him in his kingdom work.