April 28 – Reading 118

APRIL 28 – Reading 118

by Marcia Rainey | April 28

“FROM ‘MINE’ TO ‘YOURS, LORD!’”
(1 Chronicles 27:1 – 29:25)

For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. – 1 Chronicles 29:14

Anyone who has spent even a little bit of time with toddlers knows the infamous “Mine!” stage. Whether it’s their favorite toy, your cell phone, the household pet, or the one block you pick up of the 150-piece building block set strewn on the floor, your toddler will cling to it and definitively (i.e., loudly) declare it theirs. Why is this? Child development experts say this is developmentally appropriate as young children are naturally egocentric and their familiar items are perceived as an extension of themselves.  

Yet, as adults, might we also have egocentric tendencies and struggle to share?  We might not shout “Mine!” out loud, but we do choose not to share or share with the wrong motive. Can you think of a time when you have given something out of obligation? Can you think of a time when you gave to be seen by others and to receive recognition? Can you think of a time when you gave begrudgingly? Likely, we have all been guilty of giving of our resources from these wrong motives rather than out of a generous and sincere heart that pleases God.

In our reading today, King David and the Israelite officials give generously and joyfully. What perspective allows for such generosity and such a genuineness of heart? King David humbly acknowledges that everything they have originates from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). This mindset holds that everything they have is a gift entrusted to them from God. As such, their generous giving was not a personal sacrifice but rather a joyful return to God of what is His. 

Just as a loving parent patiently teaches a child to share, God invites us to move beyond a “Mine!” mentality focused on our own natural inclination to accumulate wealth and promote our own ambitions to a heart of joyful stewardship, having a mindset of giving as an act of worship in grateful response to the abundant grace that God has bestowed upon us! 

Following the generous offering by King David and the Israelite officials, King David prayed that the people would forever continue in this mindset and that God will direct their hearts toward Him (1 Chronicles 29:18). King David also recognized that we need God’s help to overcome our natural egocentric tendencies and to obtain and maintain a generous and sincere heart directed toward God and His kingdom-work.

Simple Truth:
When we recognize that all we have is a gift from God, we can give more freely and serve more joyfully.

Reflections:

1. God’s Ultimate Ownership – Reflect on the idea that everything you possess is a gift from God. How does this truth reshape your view of material wealth and promote humility and gratitude for everyday blessings?

2. Stewardship as Worship – Consider how managing your resources can be an act of worship. 

3. Partnership in God’s Plan – Reflect on King David’s passion and confidence in God’s plan for the nation of Israel. What kingdom work can you contribute to that will align you with God’s work on earth?

Application:

1. Acknowledge and thank God for the blessings He has given you, recognizing that every good gift comes from God. Strive to make gratitude a daily attitude and practice.

2. In light of the generosity modeled in today’s reading, evaluate how you can adjust your financial decision-making to become a generous steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. If you are not returning a tithe (a tenth of your wages) to God, begin to prioritize and practice this Biblical command. If you are tithing regularly, consider how to grow in generosity to advance His kingdom. 

3. If you face financial challenges or uncertainties, pray and ask God for help, recognizing Him as your ultimate provider. The Financial Peace University course offered through our church has been a great help to many in our congregation. This personal finance course provides a step-by-step guide to budgeting, debt repayment, and investing, including investing in God’s work. 

Closing Prayer…
Blessed are you, O LORD . . . Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. Amen (1 Chronicles 29:10b-13)