Measure

I have learned the value of measuring things prior to building them. I have several tape measures in my possession because I seemed to have lost the good ones. The cheap tape measures work pretty decent, but the nice 25’ Stanley tape measure is tough to beat. Over the years in my limited wood working ability and building things, I’ve learned to “measure twice and cut once”!

Solomon was in the process of building the furnishings of the temple. He was determined that there would be all new furnishings for the house of God when it was completed. Check this out…

All the objects that Huram-Abi made for King Solomon for the temple of the Lord were of polished bronze. 17 The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Sukkoth and Zarethan. 18 All these things that Solomon made amounted to so much that the weight of the bronze could not be calculated. (2 Chronicles 4:16b-18 NIV)

Solomon obviously didn’t have a budget – he was simply building extravagantly without thought on how much it cost. He was also extremely wealthy. I’m definitely impressed with what he did in the temple and how profoundly committed he was to following God. As wise as Solomon was, this seemed pretty crazy to me.

My giving to the Lord is measurable. My church provides me a “giving statement”. I can also give to other causes such as the American Cancer Society and charities that are like them. My giving can certainly be extravagant, but also measured. The Lord knows my heart in my giving and having my heart in a good place is actually probably more important than my gift. The Lord doesn’t need my money to do ministry – He does need my heart.

I don’t think you can put a price tag on giving – I do think it’s wise to be methodical, measureable with a little spontaneity thrown in!

Pressing On!

Dwayne