King David of the Old Testament set out to provide for the building of the temple. He and other leaders of the people gave generously. They brought the needed supplies, whereas today, to provide for church facilities or ministry efforts, we usually take financial offerings. In the context of this effort in 1 Chronicles 29:1-20 we read two references to the Name of the Lord which can serve as good reminders for us today in budgeting and church finances and expectations of generosity in giving.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chron. 29:13)
LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. (1 Chron. 29:16)
How Generosity was Affected by the Name of the Lord
If we approach budgeting and financial matters in the Church in the Name of the Lord similar to how 1 Chronicles 29 refers to His Name, we can potentially experience similar generosity.
1) for His Name’s sake (1 Chron. 29:16)
They were going to build the temple “for” His Name (1 Chron. 29:16), something that honored God. – “The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD God.” (1 Chron. 29:1)
People need a high enough motivation to give generously, and especially sacrificially. So, ask some questions about your church finances:
- Is the budget really centered around God’s purposes, design, and mission for the Church or does it contain line items reflecting a leader’s personal agenda?
- Are the building or other capital expenditures truly for His name sake or so we look like, or maybe even better than, other churches?
- Does the way we spend really reflect God’s priorities?
2) because of His Name (1 Chron. 29:13)
Such generosity led King David to give praise and thanksgiving to His Name, not because of the people who gave but because it all belonged to God to begin with. He recognized that God made such giving possible.
Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. … But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (1 Chron. 29:11-14)
People need to know that we have an adequate understanding of where their money comes from and who it belongs to if they’re going to entrust it to the church.
- Do people see leadership handling finances as accountable to the Lord?
- Do we treat our financial resources as though they belong to Him, with us as His stewards?
- Does leadership lead the way in attributing praise and thanksgiving to Him or do they take credit?
Significance of a Glorious and Holy Name in Light of Church Finances
Acknowledging His name as glorious signifies how great we believe He is. He is the God who owns it all. He is a God capable of doing mighty things in our midst. – He is a God who deserves our all.
When we acknowledge His name as glorious, how can we not give Him the praise and thanksgiving for His provision?
Acknowledging His name as holy signifies how His ways are always right and true. He is like none other. – He not only deserves our all but our best.
When we acknowledge His name as holy, how can we not align with His character and ways in all we do, including the way we handle our finances?
God will provide for that which is done for His Holy Name. Thanksgiving and praise therefore go to His glorious name.
For More on These Topics:
All Practicum Posts about Budgeting and Finances:
- Budget Fit Your Church Purpose?
- Budget Process of Body Life?
- Budget Fostering Body Life?
- Budget Reflect the Great Commission?
- Church Finances & Christlikeness
- Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do
- Encourage Integrity in Giving
- Managing Finances with Integrity
- Finances & The Way the Church Functions
- Gospel Affects Even Our Finances
- Grace Affects Giving
- Financial Consultants & the Church
- Financial Management in the Church
- Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?
- Perspective When Praying about Finances
- Priorities When Praying about Finances
- God’s Word Helps with Church Finances
- Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord
- Help for Working on Church Budgets
- Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
- Impact of Leaders’ Example on Church Finances
- The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money
- Protection & Safeguards for Church Finances
- Financial Protection Begins with the Belt of Truth
- Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances