How can we apply Araunah's attitude to our service in the church? Setting the Scene “ Araunah said to David, ‘May my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering, and the threshing sledges and yokes of the oxen for the wood.’ ” (2 Samuel 24:22) What Araunah’s Response Reveals • Immediate willingness—no negotiation, no delay. • Costly generosity—offering the oxen (his livelihood) and all needed wood. • God-centered priority—he viewed everything he owned as available for worship. • Submission to rightful authority—he honored the king without hesitation. Key Traits Worth Imitating 1. Open-handed generosity – Psalm 24:1 reminds, “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” Nothing we “give” was ever truly ours. – 2 Corinthians 9:7, cheerful giving flows from a willing heart, not compulsion. 2. Quick obedience – James 4:17 warns against delayed obedience; Araunah acted the moment the need became clear. 3. Sacrificial spirit – Romans 12:1 calls believers to present their bodies “as a living sacrifice.” Araunah’s gift cost him real assets; our service should likewise involve real sacrifice—time, comfort, reputation, finances. 4. Worship-driven motive – Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Araunah’s purpose was worship, not self-promotion. Bringing It into Sunday Morning • When a ministry need is announced, volunteer before someone has to beg. • Give the quality resources you would use at home, not leftovers. • Offer your specialized skills—music, construction, teaching—free of charge when possible. • Arrive early, stay late, and let leaders know they have freedom to use what you bring (time, tools, ideas) as they deem best. Guarding the Motive • Remember David’s insistence on paying (v. 24) so the sacrifice would cost him something. Let others contribute too; avoid the pride of being the sole provider. • Seek the Spirit’s affirmation, not people’s applause (Matthew 6:1-4). • Regularly acknowledge God’s ownership: pray privately, “All I have is Yours.” Encouraging One Another • Share testimonies of God’s provision after sacrificial service to stir faith (Hebrews 10:24). • Celebrate unseen servants—sound techs, nursery workers, weekday cleaners—so the whole body values every gift (1 Corinthians 12:22-26). • Mentor newcomers in hands-on generosity; bring them along when you serve. By adopting Araunah’s open-handed, worship-focused attitude, believers turn ordinary ministry tasks into offerings that honor God and strengthen the church. |
    |