David was called “a man after God’s own heart”. Though the exploits of David sometimes make it difficult to understand why, one example of that heart is shown near the end of 1 Samuel.
David and his men were chasing a band of Amalekites that had raided and destroyed the town where they were living. During the chase, 200 of the 600 men became too tired to continue, so they stayed back while the others continued the chase. They found and defeated the Amalekites, and they recovered everything that had been taken from them.
Then David returned to the brook Besor and met up with the 200 men who had been left behind because they were too exhausted to go with him. They went out to meet David and his men, and David greeted them joyfully. But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.”
But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us. Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.” 1 Samuel 30:21-24 (NLT)
What a contrast in attitudes. Some of the men were anxious to keep all the plunder that they recovered. David called for them not to be selfish with what God had given them. The men took the credit for the victory and therefore reserved the right to enjoy the spoils. David gave God the credit for the victory and understood the need to share the spoils with everyone involved, no matter their role.
David’s attitude reflected his understanding of his place in God’s world.
- God gives the gifts in this life, including the ability to produce. Everything comes from Him and is for Him.
- Since everything is from God and for God, we have no right to be selfish with it, but should share it generously.
- The world will see this generosity and know there is something different about us.
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 (NLT)
So how about you and I? Is it my car or God’s car? My house or His? Are they my children or His? Did I put food on the table or did God? Did I fill up my bank account or did He? How tightly or loosely am I holding on to my stuff?
Our generosity with what we have reveals our true attitude about it’s origins and ownership.
