SCRIPTURE:
“Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”
Exodus 35:20-21
OBSERVATION:
Everyone who was willing and whose heart was moved came and brought an offering. It’s interesting that in several verses that follow is this theme of willingness.
“All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.” – Exodus 35:22
“And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair.” – Exodus 35:26
“All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.” – Exodus 35:29
APPLICATION:
Most of us have had the experience of someone doing something for us out of obligation or feeling like they had to. When you’re on the receiving end it never feels good, and the likelihood of asking for help again decreases greatly.
I wonder how The Lord feels when we operate this way. When we get so busy with the doing that it’s done from a place where we feel like we HAVE to do it.
We know that God isn’t looking so much at WHAT we have to give, instead looking at the manner in which we give.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
I must remember that regardless of whether I am doing something for God or for others, that I must do so from a willing heart, for HOW I do something is just important as WHAT I do.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have done things unwillingly. Thank You Lord that You love us unconditionally. May I serve You and others from a cheerful heart, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
