Give From the Heart

There are a lot of campaigns out there to be involved in. There are charities, climate organizations, political races, churches, and any number of other places to give. All of them may be worthy in their own right and the mind of those who are running them. But that does not meant that they are all for our contribution. Whatever we are giving should not be an impulse and should be given from the heart.

“¹The LORD said to Moses, ’²Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.’” – Exodus 25:1-2 (ESV)

Here we see the LORD’s instruction to build a sanctuary for Him to dwell. Where the sanctuary was for the LORD and from the people, God did not demand a certain value from each person. The LORD was looking for donations/contribution to be voluntary and from the heart, “From every man whose heart moves him”.

In society today, I feel as though there is somewhat of a guilt trip laid on the people to give to any and all campaigns out there. There is always a sad story followed by an open hand or bucket being passed.

For me, I can say that I have passed those buckets right by. I walk right by the bake sales at the department storefronts. I put my hand up to indicate to stay back at the popcorn sale. I make it a point to not get drawn into every campaign that crosses near me. Not because they are not in “need” of help, but because my heart is not in it at that time.

God asks the people to consider in their heart whether or not to give to the sanctuary building fund. My church is currently in a building fund raising time. And I have committed to giving beyond my normal offering in support of that building, but not without careful and prayerful consideration and fully from my heart.

“³And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, ⁴so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, ⁵and said to Moses, ‘The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.’” – Exodus 36:3-5 (ESV)

When we give from the heart, God will receive more than enough. The people gave freely to the building of the sanctuary and their gifts were more than enough. So much so that in the next two verses (Ex. 36:6-7) Moses tells the people to stop contributing.

Generosity is important, but where that giving comes from is of more importance. How many times have we seen giving publicized to the point that we celebrate those who gave the most. It still goes on today. But it should not be about the publicity and should be about the campaign. Giving should come from the heart and those contributions should be to the campaigns that touch your heart. There are plenty of campaigns out there and I am sure that one or more will touch your heart. If they do, consider contribution, but if they do not touch your heart, it is okay to walk away.

What is your thought on giving to campaigns? Are you giving out of a sense of guilt and giving to any and all that you come in contact? What if you were to contribute to those that touch your heart and know that when you and everyone else does, there will be more than enough to meet the need?