How can we apply the call for "gold for gold" in our stewardship? Setting the Scene • 1 Chronicles 29:2: “With all my ability I have provided for the house of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood…” • David gathers the best materials for God’s house. Nothing inferior is substituted. The pattern is simple: gold work deserves real gold. Defining “Gold for Gold” • Excellence matters. What is designated as “gold” in God’s sight must not be replaced with lesser metal. • Integrity in stewardship links the nature of the gift with the purpose of the gift. When the task is noble, the offering must be equally noble. Principles for Stewardship • Priority: Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Give the first, not the leftovers. • Proportion: Luke 12:48—“From everyone who has been entrusted with much, much will be required.” Greater resources call for greater responsibility. • Purity: Malachi 1:8 warns against offering blemished sacrifices. God deserves unblemished gifts. • Purpose: 2 Corinthians 9:7—“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The motive must match the gift. Practical Ways to Live It Out • Budget first for kingdom giving, treating it as a non-negotiable line item. • Match the quality of support to the importance of the ministry. “Gold” projects (Bible translation, discipleship, evangelism) receive “gold” commitments. • Offer professional skills—if you are an engineer, accountant, teacher, or artist, serve with the same excellence you show clients or employers. • Maintain property and resources God has entrusted to you so they remain fit for His use. • Review possessions yearly. If something can advance the gospel better in someone else’s hands, release it. • Teach children to set aside a portion of every dollar earned, modeling “gold for gold” from the start. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Matthew 6:21—“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Luke 16:10—“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” When our stewardship reflects “gold for gold,” we declare with David, 1 Chronicles 29:14: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” |
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