Do we use our gifts for our own gain and forget to use them for God?
Exodus 35:21-29 All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the LORD. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments.22 Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the LORD their offerings of gold--brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the LORD. 23 All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather. 24 And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the LORD. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project.
25 All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth. 26 All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest's chestpiece. 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense.
29 So the people of Israel--every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the LORD had given them through Moses--brought their gifts and gave them freely to the LORD.
Exodus 36:4-6 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 They went to Moses and reported, "The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the LORD has commanded us to do!" 6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: "Men and women, don't prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!" So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings.
Imagine what it would be like if your church were in the middle of a special project and the pastor had to tell you "Enough already" Those words will not be spoken by very many pastors in this day and age, instead they are usually busy trying to convince you that you have an abundance and that you need to give some of it away.
The Israelite's were generous in their giving, they had plenty of riches when they left Egypt and so far they haven't run across a shopping mall out in the desert, so they still had plenty of silver and gold. It is interesting that the Egyptians supplied all the items that were necessary to do the work that God was asking them to do, they had to do is not be selfish and give some of it back to God.
They were also giving their time and talent to the Lord, the scripture says that "All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning" These people were giving their all to be obedient to the Lord.
God has given me so many resources that I need to be sure that I am willing to use for his purposes.
Help me to be willing to be willing to give my time, talents and treasure to you Lord, show me how you want me to use the resources that you have blessed me with.
