“And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting” (Exodus 35:21 ESV).
When Moses put the word out to the people of Israel, calling them to bring their contributions for the building of the Tent of Meeting, their hearts were stirred to give. Their spirits were so moved that they brought so much that Moses had to tell them to stop. For they had brought more than enough (Ex. 36:5-7).
God is honored when His people worship Him by giving with “stirred” hearts and “moved” spirits. The first has to do with the emotion and the other the will. One with a stirred heart is filled with passion for God’s kingdom work. They enthusiastically bring their offering of praise. One who is moved with a willing spirit serves God, not out of duty, but out of desire. They want to serve and give.
God cares more for the attitude of our hearts in giving, than in the amount of our gifts. As the apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).
Have you noticed that generous people are joyful people? Indeed, the opposite is also true. For misers are miserable, but givers are glad. Has God stirred and moved you to have a generous heart?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, we thank You for the gifts and blessings You have bestowed on us. We are forever grateful. We are stirred and moved to sacrificially give back to You in gratitude and worship. All that we are and all that we have are from You and belong to You. Help us to grow in our gratitude and generosity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.