In what ways can we ensure our contributions honor God as in 2 Chronicles 24:9? Revisiting the Scene in 2 Chronicles 24:9 “Then a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem that the people should bring to the LORD the tax that God’s servant Moses had imposed on Israel in the wilderness.” Joash calls the nation back to the original, God-given pattern. Their giving isn’t a spontaneous fundraiser; it is a conscious return to revealed instruction. That same principle guides us today. Key Attitudes That Keep Our Giving God-Honoring • Obedience over novelty – We give because God has spoken (Exodus 30:13-16; Proverbs 3:9), not merely because a need looks interesting. • Joyful willingness – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Reverence – Contributions are “to the LORD,” not to people first (Malachi 3:8-10). • Gratitude – A thankful heart recognizes every coin already belongs to Him (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Expectation – We trust God to multiply what honors Him (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). Practical Steps for Offering That Honors God 1. Seek Scriptural Alignment – Compare the cause with clear biblical priorities (worship, discipleship, mercy, missions). 2. Plan and Proportion – “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of money in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). 3. Give First, Not Last – Set aside God’s portion before budgeting the rest (Proverbs 3:9-10). 4. Cultivate Transparency – Joash placed a chest in public view (2 Chronicles 24:8). Choose ministries that model the same integrity. 5. Involve the Whole Household – Israel’s men, women, and children contributed (Exodus 35:20-22). Let family giving decisions become discipleship moments. 6. Guard Against Drift – Regularly revisit motives so giving remains worship, not mere habit (Revelation 2:4-5). Safeguards for Integrity • Clear accountability structures (trusted treasurers in 2 Chronicles 24:11). • Audited records that show funds used for stated purposes. • Regular reporting to the congregation to foster shared praise. Expected Fruit When Offerings Honor God • Restored worship spaces and ministries (2 Chronicles 24:12-13). • Joy and unity among God’s people (2 Chronicles 24:10). • Spiritual harvest: “abounding in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Testimony to outsiders of God’s covenant faithfulness (Acts 4:33-35). Living the Pattern Today The chest at the temple gate has been replaced by plates, envelopes, and online portals, yet the call remains unchanged. When giving springs from obedience, gratitude, and integrity, it becomes an act of worship that echoes Joash’s day and glorifies God in ours. |
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