The Willing Heart

1 Chronicles 29: 6-9 (NIV)

Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron. Anyone who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.


Reflection

King David praised God in the presence of the kingdom and challenged the people to give generously. David made sure to give back to God in any way possible, and he modeled generosity throughout his life. David worshipped God, but this wasn’t always about music. Although the king was a skilled musician, his worship was about giving praise and gratitude to the Lord. David also demonstrated obedience as an act of worship.

According to the website Amishamerica.com, an Amish barn raising is an event that demonstrates a community’s love, generosity, and discipline. This activity meets the needs of community members by not only building a necessary structure, but also by providing a social situation in which friends and family can help each other. The newly erected barn represents generosity and mutual aid, a beautiful expression of brotherly love.

Just as King David stored up resources to be used in constructing the temple, barn raisings require planning, organization, supplies, and workers. Labor and livestock are given freely to strengthen the community. In turn, if an Amish laborer needs assistance in the future, the community will come together in generosity once more. The whole event could take longer than a week, but the wood frame is usually erected in a single day. Tasks for which many hands are needed are made lighter by communities humbling themselves, caring for each other, and coming together for a mutual purpose. A lot can be accomplished if we know what our purpose is and give generously according to that purpose.

There are many ways to give back, extending love, care, and generosity to our community and church family. When we give back, we feel a sense of joy. It fills up our tired tanks, and we become more connected with those in our lives. As Christians, we are called to behave this way. Giving back is not always about money. You can be kind, volunteer your time, and offer your support in ways money cannot sustain. Only God can sustain us, and He clearly asks us to be generous.


Action Step

Read 1 Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

Think about how you are demonstrating your obedience to God and ask Him to show you His “better than” way.


Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, I pray You give me a heart of fierce generosity. Show me ways and give me opportunities to be generous. When I’m questioning what I should do with my time and finances, remind me they come from You, and that I need to joyfully give back, remembering You will sustain me because You always have. Thank You for Your love and grace! In Jesus’ name,