I will not accept a bull from your house, or goats from your folds. For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.” vss. 9-10
Psalm 50:7-15
The psalmist was convinced that the people were misusing the sacrificial system that had been set up in Israel as a way to connect with the Lord. The people had begun to think that their offerings elevated their own status, a concept that has served as a great motivation for giving through the years. It’s possible that there are some even in our congregations who believe that their large gifts will buy them power and prestige. In response, the psalmist speaks for the Lord in a way that seems almost amusing to the modern reader, “I will take no bull from your house.” His point is well taken! The Lord knows us and our motivations, and will not be manipulated or impressed. There is only one reason for giving an offering to God and that’s thanksgiving, a recognition that everything belongs to God. Some years ago one of the great hymn writers, William How, reflected that thought with these lyrics, “We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be, all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.” There are many among us who understand this great truth, and who give generous offerings anonymously, not to ingratiate themselves with God, but because they understand what it means to be a steward of God’s goods.
Thought for the Day: Where did I learn stewardship?
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