1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
As many have rightly observed, how a person handles his money speaks volumes about his true priorities. Nothing is a greater indicator of where our “heart” is than a quick view of our finances.
So here God tells Moses to have the people bring Him an offering. Why? Okay, we can assume that there are some financial needs surrounding Moses’ leadership effort. After all, maintaining the Tabernacle and those who serve there requires money, right? Actually, that’s not it at all. Though the people would be required to support the ministry efforts of their community, this offering isn’t about need.
It’s about relationship. God asks for an offering and tells Moses to take only from those who give willingly. Those who don’t want to give are excluded from the request.
We might think that seems backwards. Shouldn’t those who really love God get to keep their stuff while those who don’t are forced to “cough up” their treasure? That might seem right to those who prioritize their stuff over God, but God doesn’t need our stuff. He wants relationship—one that’s proven by how we prioritize what we have.
How does your checkbook reveal your relationship with God? Does it demonstrate trust in Him and love for His purposes? If Moses’ unique offering appeal were announced in your neighborhood, would you be among the willing? Truth is, God desires relationship with us—one that’s demonstrated by our trust in Him and proven by a cheerful and giving heart.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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