Scripture: 1st Chronicles 29:13-16
[David speaking-] And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. O 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.
Thought for the Day: The people gave of their own freewill, but amidst the offering, David educates the congregation on ownership and stewardship. David teaches the community about the Source of all Gifts and who are the recipients of those gifts. As the recipients, we are not to grip tightly, but to view ourselves as stewards of God’s abundance. Where there is need, it would suggest that selfishness and greed could be found elsewhere. Without casting blame on others, I will simply talk from personal experience. I have a tendency to view my stuff as my stuff. I think about the hard work required before I could purchase whatever the item might be. Suddenly I find myself being sucked into a self-focused and self-reinforcing circle in which God is no longer considered as a player in the realm of my stuff. There are plenty of forces in our world that not only encourage this thinking, but passionately profess it. It is good to hear David’s challenging words that reintroduce God into the realm of my life, and in that reintroduction, I see more clearly my calling as a steward, not an owner.
Prayer: It is difficult, O Lord, to prioritize my life where I am not the priority. Teach me to be humble; lead me to a life of generosity; guide me as a true steward of your generosity. This I ask as one who desire to live a life that resembles the life of Jesus. Amen.
IMPORTANT
HELP with Christmas Lights
this Saturday at 9am
If it is storming,
we will postpone the work.
