Giving Honestly and Happily

I Chronicles 29:14, 17

(14) "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
(17)I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent." (NIV)

(14) "But me—who am I, and who are these my people, that we should presume to be giving something to you? Everything comes from you; all we're doing is giving back what we've been given from your generous hand.
(17) I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface—you want us, our true selves—and so I have given from the heart, honestly and happily." (MSG)

IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Everything that comes to us, comes from the Father. God of the Universe. The Creator of ALL THINGS. Understanding that simple fact, gaining that tiny piece of revelation knowledge will change your entire outlook and perspective on giving.

People today have a hard time comprehending this concept. It's all about "me" and "my success" that is created by the things we possess. I've been there...and struggle to make sure my revelation of Who actually provides for my needs and wants stays in tact.

This scripture provides two very different scenarios in dealing with what and how we give to God. The first is very obvious: when we realize that what we have comes from the Father and all we are doing is giving back to Him in order to give recognition to that fact, our giving is from a heart that is right; a heart that is willing and obedient.

The second scenario is not as obvious, but is the opposite of the first: when we believe that all we have comes by our own hand, then our giving becomes pious and self-promoting; it becomes an opportunity to either stop giving or give with a heart that is done grudgingly and out of obligation; looking at God not as generous but demanding or greedy. What a shameful way of viewing God the Father; a Father that wants nothing more than to bless His children in every way.

AS FOR ME
This revelation has been life changing for me. I won't begin to try to convince you that it's an easy road. There are times when my flesh WANTS to be self-promoting and pious. But at those times, I pray for the Holy Spirit to rise up and remind me of Whose I am and what He's given me in every area of my life...from spiritual, to mental, to physical, to material. Every area of my life is becoming prosperous. Although I get to benefit from the prosperity, it truly is in order to propetuate the Gospel. I didn't include the end of verse 17, but it goes on to explain that David was asking for God to continue to speak to and bless Solomon in building the temple. The temple dedicated to worshiping God. Which, in context of this discussion, is a forshadowing of perpetuating the Gospel in itself.

What a wonderful way to live life!