Give Generously

Give Generously | KingdomNomicsScripture: 1 Chronicles 29:14–16, NIV

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”

We can take to heart the remarks King David made as he neared the end of his life. David summarizes exactly what our situation is, and the perspective we should have.

He acknowledges that God is the source of all wealth. Everything comes from God, and any giving we do is returning what has come from his hand.

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18, NIV)

If we have monetary wealth, we must remember that God gave us the ability to produce it. There is nothing for us to be “proud” about.

In God’s sight we are strangers and foreigners in this world. David reminds us of this truth, telling us our citizenship is in heaven. Furthermore, he reminds us that our earthly life is like a shadow. Our time bubble can pop at any time, landing us in eternity, a totally different paradigm with values foreign to the world we now inhabit.

David reiterates the truth that everything comes from God and belongs to God. This is a difficult concept; many people believe that everything they have belongs to them, and they can do anything they want with it.

Wise people conclude that King David’s words in today’s scripture passage are still true today. We come to the King with a willing mind, generously helping to build the body of Christ by extending others the opportunity to begin a personal relationship with him.

Today, ask yourself:

In what ways does my view of giving parallel that of King David?

- See more at: http://kingdomnomics.com/give-generously/#more-2961