Exodus 36:6-7 10/30/2018*

^“Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.”

When is the last time your church issued a restraining order to stop you from giving? …

The Israelites were so excited about the Sanctuary that Moses had to tell them to stop giving to the building fund. That seems to be very different than the “marketing campaigns” run by many churches today. 

Why is that?

No doubt there are some churches with greedy leaders that simply always want more…but much of the problem is that we, the members, have become complacent and always want to give less. 

What would happen if we changed our focus and became so enthusiastic about the work of the Kingdom that we had to be restrained from giving our money, our energy, and our time? 

If we were as excited about the sanctuary as Moses’ congregation was what would the church look like today? 

The children’s ministry would have to ask people to stop volunteering to work the nursery. We would have to partner with retirement homes to find enough widows for all those who wanted care for them. And the need for pledge drives and building campaigns would disappear.

In other words, the Church would look like it was intended to look…a giving, growing, vibrant organization that blesses those around it with the gospel.

So, you have two choices…

1.  You can complain that the leadership in your church is too greedy, and that others don’t give enough…. or…

2.  You can give and serve…. let God use your resources to further His Kingdom

This Sunday when you go to church, don’t go to be catered to, or to be entertained. 

This Sunday go on a recon mission and find what needs to be done at your church. What area needs funds to grow, what department needs volunteers? … How can you help?

Find a need that you have the ability to fill. Then take care of it…and do it big. Try to out give God…you can’t … but you will be blessed for trying. 

Since spreading the Gospel is the mission of the church, there is nothing more worthy of your effort and investment.

"You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving."

- Amy Carmichael