“The Israelites didn’t have to ‘count the cost.’ They only had to give out of willing hearts.” This is a note I wrote down as I listened to Karen, our Bible Study Fellowship lecturer, as she spoke two weeks ago in the sanctuary filled with several hundred women. I know she wasn’t addressing me specifically, but the Lord was… and the lightbulb came on. God helped me understand how to carry out the “what” that He had spoken to me earlier that morning.
What had God spoken to my heart as I read His Word earlier that day?
SPOIL HIM. LOVE HIM LAVISHLY.
“Him” is my husband, and he has been going through a discouraging season… just feeling overwhelmed by all that is required of a man leading a family, a ministry, and working full-time in a secular job.
I was reading from Exodus 35 and 36. The Israelites were called to give offerings of their time, talents, and material goods, as they were willing, to the construction of the tabernacle. No one came around to each tent to make sure everyone contributed. They simply gave as their hearts prompted them. And they gave, and they gave, and they gave – until Moses actually had to tell them to stop. Can you imagine that kind of generosity today? The modern day dollar value of what the Israelites had given is in the tens of millions… but they never counted the cost. They simply gave.
I would say that I am good at making sure my husband is “taken care of.” To me, that implies that the basics are covered, but if I am honest, I can’t say that I am loving him out of the overflowing generosity of my heart. When I go above and beyond, truthfully, I am counting the cost. You might call it keeping track.
Proverbs 23:6-7 convicts me. “Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.”
When I count the cost, I become afraid. Will I run out of time? Will I have enough energy? Will my needs be met? If I am counting the cost, I will give, but it is a calculated gift. How do I move beyond this level of giving?
The lightbulb that came on during the lecture was this: Lavish love happens when I am NOT counting the cost.
But how do I choose to lose track of my giving?? Here are two ideas:
First, Karen said, “Generosity is a byproduct of a heart moved by God.” I must connect regularly and deeply with God by soaking up His Word. I don’t have to save some for myself if I am following God’s command to be on a special mission of grace-giving to one of His kids. There will be enough. THERE WILL BE MORE THAN ENOUGH, because the God of the Universe has filled me with His ability to pour out.
Second, Karen encouraged us to practice what she calls “spontaneous generosity.” She said that generosity doesn’t need to be complicated… prayerfully ask the Lord to place you on “need alert,” and respond as He leads you.
I wonder what all this will look like as I respond to God’s calling me to spoil my husband? Lord, fill me with Your heart for my husband, and let that pour out. Help me listen to your leading and respond with the joy and peace that comes from casting aside concern for the cost.
Is there anyone that the Lord might be calling you to spoil? I pray that the Lord’s lavish love will begin to pour out of us as we lose track of what we’ve given.
Yes!
I often think about this with Gill and me. What usually gets me to change my behavior is asking the question: “Would I act like this if we were dating?” 🙂
Ryan, that is a great idea! I’ll have to remember that!