Oh, Have A Heart Why Don't Cha

You know that scene in the hilarious Christmas comedy where Aunt Edna offers to pay a whole quarter for a “kindness gesture”? Well, I had an uncle that would bring me cars to wash and who I actually had to rub his ginormous feet for not much more than a quarter...and I was an adult!

And who loves a forced hug? I’m not a fan of making a child hug or kiss anyone; even grandma. I want a hug with purpose. A willing gift. Heartfelt expression of love and adoration is what fills me with joy, not a forced effort that sucks the life out of a giver and makes the recipient remorseful.

When I read Exodus 35 I resonate with the desire for willing hearts that God is asking for. Vs 21: …”whose heart stirred...his spirit made willing. 22: willing hearted...offered 25: wise hearted 26: heart stirred 29: willing offering...whose heart made them willing 31: he hath filled him with the spirit of God...34: he hath put in his heart 35: ...filled with wisdom of heart.”

HEART: regarded as the center of a person’s thoughts or emotions, especially love. 2. The central or innermost part of something.

Y’all...do you get it?

This amazing muscle is so much more than just that. If someone does something from the heart, it’s whole. It’s full. It’s complete. To do something from the heart requires thought, emotion, desire from your innermost being, your soul even. Often you are so driven that nothing can keep you from doing what your heart leads you to do. You know it. You want it. You achieve.

Say what you will about the Old Testament, but making the time to read what’s happening instead of skipping over all the methodical and repetitive, old, seemingly-not-relative details and you’ll realize how important they are today.

Those details necessary for the honor and glory that God desired and deserved to create the place He was to be addressed, worshiped and summoned make clear the importance of service today. God blessed those who served in making the tabernacle and all the unimaginable items included, with the knowledge to gather what was needed and to craft them all.

He also only wanted willing participants. People who were willing to give the materials, find them, gather them, supply them and those who were willing to put time and effort into creating them the best that they could. There was no internet, mass production or imitation replicas. Reproductions were not acceptable. But most importantly, there was no need to force the crafters to create. Those who weren’t able to create gathered and provided in their own way. Some taught others their craft and together they provided so much that they were told to stop! Exodus 36: 5-7.

Our church has a ministry that welcomes everyone who has a heart to participate. Donations, time in fellowship, craftsmanship and even prayer. No one is exempt from serving in this ministry, except those who aren’t willing of heart. This ministry flourishes and over flows in more ways than just production of the product. It blesses far and wide, and within the walls of our small building.

Oh that we could all have a happy and willing heart to bless others! THAT is what makes God happy. He wants us to serve others and by doing so we serve Him, honor Him, bring Him glory and make Him so happy. When God’s happy, everyone’s happy!

Over and over the text makes clear “he filled with…”. In other words, He GAVE them the ability.

You have gifts. Truly you do. I know people who have no function of the body, but they have the gift of life and unconditional love. I’ve known hundred year old ladies who were at the end of their road, but could still bless others by their testimony.

You may not be called to hammer out a cherub from pure gold, but you can do something to help someone else. You can serve. Notice someone and give them a “hello”, you might be the only person that “sees” them that day. Have a conversation with your neighbor. Do something you love and share it with someone. Figure out why you don’t like giving your grandma hugs and start doing it anyway...you can hold your breath for a second...the pickle smell doesn’t linger too long.

When you start doing things for others, even secretly, you’ll be blessed. It’ll be so amazing you’ll want to do it again and again and before you know it, you aren’t even trying. God smiles then. Let’s keep Him smiling!

Be blessed people. Life is what you make it and until we can enjoy the Kingdom, let’s make the best of it!