How can we ensure our resources support God's work, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:69? Setting the scene 1 Chronicles 6 records the towns and pasturelands assigned to the Levites—Israel’s ministers. Verse 69 notes, “Aijalon and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands.” These lands were tangible provision so the Levites could serve without distraction. God’s people supplied God’s workers; ministry flourished because resources were intentionally directed toward it. Timeless principles we see in 1 Chronicles 6:69 • Provision for ministry is God-ordained, not optional • Specific, identifiable resources were set apart (named towns, pasturelands) • The arrangement allowed the Levites to focus on worship and teaching rather than livelihood concerns • Faithful giving by the tribes demonstrated obedience and unity around God’s purposes Aligning our resources with God’s work today • Prioritize the local church first—its teaching, worship, and outreach mirror the Levites’ service (1 Timothy 5:17-18) • Allocate a regular, proportional gift (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2) so ministry leaders can labor freely • Support gospel workers and missionaries who depend on the church’s generosity (Philippians 4:15-16) • Invest in ministries that uphold sound doctrine and practical mercy (Galatians 6:6, 10) • Include kingdom purposes in budgets, wills, and estate plans, treating them as “pasturelands” set apart for God Practical steps for faithful stewardship 1. Track income and spending; clarity reveals where adjustments are needed 2. Dedicate the “firstfruits,” not the leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10) 3. Ask trusted believers or church leaders to help create a giving plan 4. Automate giving where possible to maintain consistency 5. Review annually: has God increased your capacity? Adjust upward with joy (2 Corinthians 9:7) 6. Guard against debt that strangles generosity (Romans 13:8) 7. Celebrate testimonies of how God multiplies gifts—fueling continued faithfulness (Matthew 6:33) Safeguards that keep our hearts aligned • Contentment: recognizing everything is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1) • Accountability: financial transparency within church governance (2 Corinthians 8:20-21) • Prayerful dependence: seeking God’s wisdom before major purchases (James 1:5) • Eternal perspective: remembering that earthly resources are temporary but can yield eternal fruit (Matthew 6:19-21) Encouragement from other Scriptures • Numbers 35:2—God commands Israel to give cities and pasturelands to the Levites • Acts 4:34-35—early believers voluntarily shared property to meet ministry needs • 2 Corinthians 9:10—“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” Putting it all together Set aside specific, intentional “pasturelands” in your budget. Give first, give gladly, and give where God’s Word is honored. Just as Aijalon and Gath-rimmon enabled Levites to serve, our dedicated resources today propel the gospel forward and declare that every gift ultimately belongs to the Lord who entrusted it. |
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