THRIVE: Leadership

 
   
​King David had a passion to build God’s temple almost all his life. But God said “no”, it was not for David to build but for his son Solomon to do so. So David made plans for the building of a temple he would never worship in. He mobilized the federal treasury and gave billions of dollars. Then, he opened up his personal finances and gave extravagantly. From there, he gathered the leaders and invited them to ‘consecrate themselves to the Lord”; ie give themselves to God’s work. They caught the vision and gave abundantly and willingly. When the people saw what was being done, they rejoiced at the “free and wholehearted” giving of their leaders. David praised God for the privilege of being able to give.

In I Chronicles 29, we see a biblical pattern at work: The vision, determination, willingness, and the generosity of leaders to do God’s work sets the tone and opens the door for people to follow. Willing and cheerful sacrifice leads to more willing and cheerful sacrifice. David's wholehearted commitment, vision, and sacrifice is contagious. And the people rejoice. No one is coerced, no one is manipulated. When leaders catch a vision for what God is doing, there is a sense of immense privilege for being able to join God in a great work. When God calls for a big ministry offensive, one that requires faith, obedience, commitment, and sacrifice, He starts working on the leaders, pouring out faith, changing hearts, and giving wholehearted commitment to what He is doing. In the end, people are moved to realize all they have is God’s and offer back to Him what is rightfully His. 

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