Parson to Person - The attitude of giving

When you have the word give what is your first response? Of course our first response is money, yet giving to the Lord is far greater and simpler.

When constructing the tabernacle in Exodus 36 the requirements involved no exchanging of money yet the people were extremely generous.

First in this passage God provided the skilled workers from within the camp. "So Bezalel, and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary...."(Exodus 36:1). The Lord gave the directions but also the ability to do His work.

Isn't it amazing when we look within the local church, God provides the skilled workers. This chapter teaches us when God plans He provides.

Secondly, they needed the provisions and the people began to give free will offerings. The people gave willingly and generously. They gave more than enough. They gave so much that Moses had to make an order to restrain the people from giving more.

Notice they gave more than enough and their gifts were from within the camp. They didn't run down to the local Wal-Mart and pick up supplies.

What if we gave from within our abundance. The best example I know is how a community supplies the Quarter Maybe More Store with a huge supply of merchandise that comes from within our own homes. This store has become a favorite place of shopping within our town.

Think about all that we have to give to one another. To give our time, our love, our talents and abilities. We have more than enough.

Thirdly, is to know what God wants then do it. The Bible Reader's Companion says "It is important to know exactly what God wants. It is even more important to do it."

Examples in scripture are people like Abraham, Noah and Joseph; when they knew what God wanted they responded in obedience.

Now here is the problem, we are bombarded with outrageous opportunities to give to needs; particularly financial. Needs for missionaries, the local church, shelters and the list goes on and on.

We personally seek the Lord for His guidance and once we know we do it.

Oswald Chambers said this regarding giving: It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call. Because you are not bothered by what God requires, common sense is your guide, veneered over the Christian sentiment. But if once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God wants will always come like a goad; and you will no longer be able to work for Him on the common sense basis."