Contagious Giving

“David said to all the assembly,.. ‘I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, gold.., silver.., bronze.., iron.., and wood.., besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble… for overlaying the walls of the house, and for all the work to be done by craftsmen… Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?’

 “Then the leaders… made their freewill offerings, as did also… the commanders.., and the officers over the king’s work. They gave… 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. Whoever had precious stones gave them… 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.

“‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:1a-2,4b-9,11-13

“Neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. The former governors laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver… But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.” Nehemiah 5:14-15

Every child of God is tasked with being a role model, and leaders have a particular burden. What is striking about David is that he was so enthralled with his God that his example to those he served came naturally as an overflow of reverence and gratitude for his Sovereign. The same is true for Nehemiah. We get no sense of manipulation, trickery, or prideful motivation in their willingness to sacrifice, only that of joyful devotion to the majestic Lord who had entrusted them with leadership. David’s sacrificial actions prompted similar generosity in his people, for they, too, had whole hearts for the God of Israel. (1 Chronicles 29:17b)

How we handle the stewardship we hold is evident to those observing. We may never know who watches us, but we can know that our actions speak volumes about our view of God and what He’s entrusted to us, and may be used of Him to prompt obedience and joyful service in His children. What heart attitudes do our choices display, and inspire?

Do we live and lead in such a way that others recognize and are attracted to the God for whom we live? Do they see us as servants of self and pleasure, or as joyfully living for something and Someone greater? Do they witness closed fists, or open hands? Safeguarded homes, or warm hospitality? Rigid schedules, or willing availability? If all riches are in and from His hand, would I raise mine in grateful, humble honor?

Lord, may all I do show off, and show forth, the greatness, power, fear, and glory of You.