Give Back to God What We are Able

What a concept for us to embrace. We are not giving to God, but giving “back” to Him what He has lent us while here.

“¹⁴But 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. ¹⁵For 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. ¹⁶O 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.” – 1 Chronicles 29:14-16 (ESV)

David is praying to God after the people have made offerings for the building of the temple. Giving by which was done “willingly” and “with a whole heart” (1 Chronicles 29:9 (ESV)).

The people were following the lead of David who gave willingly himself. His prayer, demonstrates the understanding that we are only here for a while and all that we have has been provided by God for us to use while here.

God gives freely to us as we travel this world doing His work. It is our duty to give “back” to Him willingly. Our giving back allows for others to do work for Him that He has tasked them with. This is God providing for others just as He had provided for us from others.

I know, from what goes on in my own mind, that giving is something that should be natural and easy to do. But, as a man, I have the tendency to keep what I have and use it for me and my family. So being reminded that I am not giving, but giving “back” is important for me to embrace as I work through each day. I must remember that what I have is not mine, but God’s who is allowing me to use it while here.

What about your possessions, are they yours, really? Are you giving “back” to God and doing so freely? What if you approached your giving as giving “back”?