Jehovah Richly Blesses a Willing Spirit
OUR Creator has dignified humans with the priceless gift of free will. Furthermore, he richly blesses those who unselfishly use their free will to advance true worship and who do their part to sanctify his holy name and support his grand purpose. Jehovah does not want mechanical obedience impelled by threats and coercion. Instead, he highly values willing devotion motivated by genuine love and deep appreciation.
For example, when the Israelites were in the wilderness of Sinai, Jehovah instructed them to build a place of worship. He said: “Take up a contribution for Jehovah from among yourselves. Let everyone with a willing heart bring a contribution for Jehovah.” (Ex. 35:5) Each Israelite could give whatever he was able to give, and each voluntary contribution—no matter what it might be or how much—could be used in an appropriate way to carry out the divine purpose. What was the response?
“Everyone whose heart impelled him” and “everyone whose spirit incited him” made a voluntary offering, “each with a willing heart.” Men and women willingly brought something for Jehovah’s work: brooches, earrings, rings, gold, silver, copper, blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, sealskins, acacia wood, gemstones, balsam, and oil. Eventually, “the goods were enough for all the work to be done, and more than enough.”—Ex. 35:21-24, 27-29; 36:7.
What brought Jehovah the most pleasure was, not the material offerings, but the willing spirit of those who thus supported pure worship. They were also moved to contribute their time and labor. “All the skilled women spun with their hands,” says the account. Indeed, “all the skilled women whose hearts impelled them spun the goat hair.” Moreover, Jehovah gave Bezalel “wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of every sort of craftsmanship.” In fact, God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with the skill needed to do all the work that was commissioned.—Ex. 35:25, 26, 30-35.
When Jehovah invited the Israelites to make a donation, he had full confidence that “everyone with a willing heart” would support true worship. In turn, he unstintingly blessed the willinghearted with guidance and boundless joy. Jehovah thus demonstrated that when he blesses his servants’ willing spirit, he can make sure that there is no lack of resources or expertise to accomplish his will. (Ps. 34:9) As you unselfishly serve Jehovah, he is sure to bless your willing spirit.