A Meaningful Offering

Millions attended camp meetings in early 19th-century America. For many, these were life-changing events. But not everyone was equally blessed.

In his study of camp meetings, Dr. Timothy Beougher discovered that the people who gained the most were those whose attendance “cost them the greatest sacrifice” – those who traveled the longest distances and made the most serious investment of their time and resources.

This reflects the powerful Biblical truth that we always reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). What we reap is a byproduct of what we have sown. If we sow little, we only will reap a little.

The Israelites needed to understand what it meant to give an offering. Offerings had to be made from animals that were part of “the herd or the flock.” They had to be personal, to cost something. They were to be an animal in which time and resources had been invested.

David understood this principle. When God told him to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah, this man told David to take it and use it as he wished. But David insisted on paying what it was worth. He would not give a burnt offering that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:18-25). He could not honor God without making an offering of value.

God is observing what you will invest in His Kingdom. Demonstrate your love for Him by giving Him first place. Give offerings that cost you something.