Both action and inaction can reveal something about the heart. Willingness to do something or the refusal to do so says something about where our focus rests. Though there are actions which may be demanded and therefore dutifully carried out, the willing heart needs no command, but only the invitation or opportunity.
Toward the end of his life, David encouraged the nation to make offerings for the temple his son Solomon would build. In inviting the nation to join him in doing so, David drew the attention to the significance of the temple (1 Chronicles 29:1) and noted what he himself was personally offering for its construction. (1 Chronicles 29:2-5) This was followed by freewill giving by the leaders. (1 Chronicles 29:6-9) Thus, David blessed the assembly and offered a prayer (1 Chronicles 29:10-19) acknowledging all comes from God to Whom thanks was given.
In that prayer we read. . .
“(14) But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (15) For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. (16) O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. (17) I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.” (1 Chronicles 29:14-17 ESV)
In the willingness of God to give us all things (i.e. Romans 8:32; James 1:17; 2 Peter 1:3), do we not see the loving, merciful, and generous heart of God? All we have both physically and spiritually stems from His gracious generosity. By His benevolent Spirit, He has also equipped us to willingly give and in doing so we reveal the gracious and thankful character of our heart. It is not the reluctant or forced giver, but the cheerful giver God loves. (2 Corinthians 9:7) May our focus on God’s generosity toward us compel our continued giving in gratitude to Him and service to others to His glory and praise!
Have a great day GLORIFYING GOD AS A GRATEFUL GIVER!
Carl
