“God loveth a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
For years I came to our various assembly meetings quite happily and thankfully but without a whole lot of thought. I felt it important to learn at the Bible reading meeting, to add my amen to the prayers at prayer meeting, and to remember our Lord in His death in the breaking of bread. In other words, I came mostly to receive something, and to enjoy the Lord’s presence.
Then, during a time of testing in my own personal life and also a time of unhappy circumstances in the assembly, a verse was read that spoke loudly to me — Exodus 35:21-2221And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 22And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord. (Exodus 35:21‑22):
“And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the congregation, and for all His service ... both men and women.”
I thought, “What am I bringing?” I began to think more of my role and responsibility in the assembly, and I learned that if we are feeling personally responsible for what is taking place in the assembly, we tend to try to help rather than criticize. This brought a change of attitude that I continue to thank the Lord for. He put the desire in my heart to pray for the leading of the Spirit in our meetings, to be thankful for those who participate, and to pray that they would understand our needs. Then a wonderful thing began to happen! Along with “bringing” came caring, helping, love, and involvement. The result was blessing, both for myself and others. As the Lord says in Luke 6:3838Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38): “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down and shaken together, and running over.”
What a precious Saviour we have who gives and gives. I wish I had applied this insight earlier in my own life, so I am passing it on, encouraging you to apply it in your life, and to instill this attitude in your children while they are young.