Read Exodus 35:4-36:7

Much More Than Enough

After relaying God’s instructions to the people concerning the building of the tabernacle, Moses said to the people, “Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord” (Exodus 35:5). How willing were the children of Israel? “So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning” (Exodus 36:3). The artisans were so overwhelmed by what the people brought that they had to ask Moses to prevent any further offerings! “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do” (Exodus 36:5).

Take a moment to reflect on what you have offered to the Lord. Think about your financial sacrifices, your time commitments, and the talents that you have volunteered to His work. How willingly have you given to Him? Have you ever been asked to stop?

The first-century Christians faced trying times, and there were occasions of great financial needs in the church. Paul lifted up the church in Macedonia as an example in giving toward those needs, writing “that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:2).

How was it that an impoverished church could be so liberal in giving? The answer is found in their attitude! “For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5).

The church in Macedonia wanted to help their brethren because they loved God and they had given themselves to God. In turn, God had blessed them with the ability to give beyond what they had even expected.

What is your attitude toward giving to the Lord’s work? Is it generous? Purposeful? Cheerful? This is the attitude that we should have, according to the inspired apostle Paul.

Give as much as you can of your financial blessings, your time, and your abilities. Make it your goal to give “much more than enough.”