When King David and the people of Israel brought their gifts for the building of the temple, David did not pat himself or his country on the back. Instead, he was amazed at what God had done among them: “Who are we, that we should be able to give as generously as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14) His joy in giving came from the privilege of being able to give at all!
Humility is the first step in growing in how we see our giving. Everything we place into God’s hands was his to begin with. Our resources, our skills, even our ability to work and earn, all come from him. Giving is not about what we lose, but about what we return to the Lord from his blessings to us.
Second, we grow in generosity when we see giving not as an obligation but as worship. The people gave joyfully because they knew they were part of something bigger. They were participating in the building of God’s . . . . house for God’s mission and to God’s glory. In the same way, each time we give we join in God’s work of bringing his gospel to the world.
Finally, giving allows us to grow through the work of the Holy Spirit. Each act of generosity is a reminder to us that God will continue to provide. As we release our grip on what we think is ours, we learn to trust more deeply in him.
David and the Israelites were getting one of their greatest projects rolling – the building of the first permanent temple to worship their Lord. David leads the people in understanding what was happening in this exciting moment of generosity.
Over time in the Word our giving becomes less about duty and more about joy, less about the sacrifice we make and more about worship. Jesus’ generous sacrifice has made us his people through his forgiveness and love. God’s people give! Like David, we stand in amazement: “Who am I, that God should give me this great privilege?”
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.
(1 Chronicles 29:14)