Old Principles of Giving

When we think of the Old Testament and the idea of giving we often think about the tithe. We think about a law that says you must give 10% of all God has given to you. And yet when you come to a passage like Exodus 35 it is amazing how "New Testament" it sounds. Look at the principles that can be gleaned from this passage that are surely affirmed in the New Testament.
1. Giving included one's treasure (gold, silver and bronze,...vs 5) but also one's talent and skill (vs 10).
2. Giving was to be from a generous heart (vs. 5).
3. Giving was to enable the "building of the place of God's presence". Today the place of God's presence is the church and may include the building of structures but involves so much more. It includes all that we do to see the church of Christ expand and grow.
4. Giving was to come from those whose hearts were stirred. It was to be generated from the inside as the Spirit moved the person. It was to be from a willing heart. (vs. 21-22)
5. Each person gave what they possessed. If they had yarn they gave yarn. If they had silver they gave silver. The text seems to indicate that not all people had the same to give, but they gave what they had. They gave as the Lord prospered them. (vs. 23-24)
6. The source of all giving is the Lord. As he fills us with a treasure or a talent, we are then released to use it for His glory and the building of His kingdom. (vs 35)
Pretty amazing, tucked in one of the books of the law, we see the real heart of God regarding our giving. May we all be blessed as we generously release to the accomplishment of God's work that with which He has blessed us. And may we be encouraged to live out the Old Testament proverb:
Proverbs 11:24-25 One gives freeely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.