Too Much in the Building Fund

Securing the funds needed for construction is a serious consideration when a major building project is on the drawing board. We are accustomed to bond issues, tax assessments, donor drives, and corporate gifts as ways to raise the necessary money. An article in the local paper earlier this month reported that the huge new arena under construction in our city "still is on budget," according to the county's chief financial officer. "We fully expect [it] to come in on budget and on time," he said. Opening of the arena is still many months away, and we can only hope that his optimistic outlook will prove correct. If you have ever been involved in a building or remodeling project, you know that such an endeavor tends to take much longer and cost much more than originally planned.

On budget would be great, but who ever heard of a surplus in available funding? I read recently about a project with too much in the building fund. To begin with, there was a most unusual way of funding the construction, but one you are probably familiar with already: the people of Israel bringing gifts for the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. They brought gold, silver, and bronze; precious stones; fine linen fabric and dyed threads for embroidery; wood and tanned leathers; oil and spices. Moses turned the donated materials over to the workmen who had been specially designated to do the construction. But the people continued to bring additional gifts every morning until finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work and went to Moses. "[They] reported, 'The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!' So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: 'Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!' So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project." (Exodus 36:5-7)

And this without a fund drive! Only those whose hearts were stirred came with their gifts; there was no pressure, and only those with willing spirits responded. Who ever heard of a project manager--secular or religious--telling people they must not donate any more money or goods? It just doesn't happen! Can you imagine a pastor instructing his associates to spread the word among the congregation, "You can't give any more to the building fund. We don't see how we can use all the offerings you've already brought!"

It just goes to show what a powerful influence on the wallet the Spirit of God has if people are ready to listen!

MaryMartha
(All rights reserved)

Scripture quotation taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Email: mrymrtha@gmail.com