As far as I know, it only happened one time. History never repeated itself on this one. I’m talking about the time the people of God were building a place to worship God and Moses asked the people to bring an offering to finance the project. The people were so grateful and joyful that they brought offerings every morning, not just on the day of Worship.
The people became a nuisance to the laborers with their liberality. Exodus 36:6-7 (NIV) records: “Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘no man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” Can you believe that? Quite a contrast to current ministries always asking for money. Of course, this is the complaint that many make about churches; always asking for money.
In this unique event, it was not a project funded by a wealthy few. Rather, ordinary people were overcome with joy and gratitude. That is the secret of Christian liberality. Gratitude springs out of the heart. When an individual seriously counts God’s blessings in life, gratitude is natural. You know it wasn’t an accident or “good luck”. You may ask “why” you are so fortunate but the source of your bounty becomes clear.
This gratitude gets immersed in joy, a kind of spontaneous thanksgiving. But you can only smile and talk about it so much, then there is the impulse to give. You give back to God and your joy in giving expands and you want to give more. Giving begets giving. I have noticed this in the Thanksgiving and Christmas season; people start giving, they like it, then they give some more. Try it Sunday. You will like it. Keep this in mind: you can’t outgive God! But you can have fun trying.
“God, the bible says that you love those who give to you cheerfully.
Through Your Spirit, dare us to adopt ‘smiley-giving’. Amen”
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