Exercise Restraint

Anneta Pinto-Young 2 Minutes
“So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing” (Exodus 36:6).

In Exodus 35, Moses asked the people to bring offerings for the tabernacle which God asked him to build. “Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 35:5). They were also asked to bring fine linen, goat’s hair, ram skin, wood, oils, spices for anointing and precious stones for the breastplate. The skilled artisans were called to come and build the tabernacle and the other items that the Lord commanded Moses. The people went away and everyone whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were willing, brought their offering to support the work. All the women who were gifted spun yarn and brought them and everyone brought their freewill offering.

When the artisans started the work, they were given the items which the people brother as an offering for the work. As the men started working, the people continued to bring items for building. The artisans went to Moses and told him that the people were bringing more items than was necessary. Moses sent word throughout the camp that the people had given enough for the building. He commanded that the people did not need to give any more. “for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much” (Exodus 36:7). As the men worked, Moses did an inventory of all the materials and offering brought in. The people worked with Moses and completed all the building and the work which God commanded.

Of importance in these scriptures was Moses leadership and willingness to exercise restraint towards the people. He did not see the necessity in collecting more offering from the people, than was necessary for completing the work. It is possible that the people would have continued to give and Moses could have stored the offering in his tent. He was not willing to burden the people over and above that which was necessary. He collected only what was needed and told them to stop once he had enough. Many leaders today would not be willing to exercise that level of restraint. After all, the justification would be that the church or ministry need’s resources and collecting the offering to store it, will ensure that there is enough to offset the expenses.

Paul spoke about giving in Corinthians and encouraged people to give abundantly. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). He also said that God would provide for those who have a desire to give. By their giving, people will be enriched as those who are blessed will have a reason to thank God. It is important for churches and leaders to exercise restraint and not burden people over and above what is reasonable. Collect what is necessary for the work of God and avoid hoarding wealth and resources for selfish reasons. “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (I Peter 5:2-3).

A.P.-Y.

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Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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21 thoughts on “Exercise Restraint”

  1. Great job, Anneta! This is how we know that Moses was truly a servant of God, having a prevailing spirit of wisdom and obedience upon him, first and foremost. I can imagine, as you mentioned, that many of todays leaders would have hoarded those offerings and would’ve had a tent load of gifts that were not intended for their hands.

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    1. I know Hun. I’ve read this passage before like many others and on this occasion, this scripture jumped out at me. Not something that we see often today at all. Not much restraint being exercise and it becomes a stumbling block for many people. ❤️

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      3. I missed that one altogether. How profound. It’s a reminder to stay in the Word, as The Holy Spirit always has a new revelation waiting for us in The ancient Word 📖

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  3. wow, this is a great word.This is the definition of meekness.Knowing the limit even if the oppotunity to get more is there.Those who don`t know when enough is enough will lose things in life through the traps of greed.Some people even with debt ,they do not know their limit.So they end up insolvent and go under judiciary management.

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    1. Amen 🙏🏾. Great points Evidence. Excesses are a trap that the devil use to pull people away from God, especially for those who grew up in poverty and then have a taste of wealth. It’s hard to be restrained. Bless you.

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  5. More than “like”, “LOVE” it!

    I don’t think I have ever been able to scripturally word this kind of lesson to help make clear about the abundance of wealth in the church, and the restraint or lack thereof.

    I’m not a pastor, but my dad was, and his financial situation should have been handled better by the church (because he worked a labor job), but he lived by the philosophy of Paul, which tells us that godliness with contentment is great gain, and he was happy.

    I see these great mega churches and wonder if the wealth of them is going beyond the walls for ministry other than only the staffing of the church.

    That said, I’ve accepted a principle of paying my tithes, giving my offerings, knowing that I’m giving to God, and let Him take care of the rest.

    GREAT lesson, sis!

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    1. Wow. I wrestled with posting this today, so much that my husband had to give me a pep talk. 😁 Some things feel hard to say, although often God wants us to speak and be bold in speaking the truth. I think the lack of restraint can even happen in smaller churches as well. I have seen mega churches donate a lot to charity and have enough outreach programs that convinces me that they give out what they get. Then there are smaller churches where the lifestyles of the ministers raises a few eyebrows. None of us know the whole story, but a word to the wise is sufficient. Bless you. 🙏🏾

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  7. The artisans too are an example for us as believers. They too could have decided to divert some of the offerings for themselves but they told Moses about the overflow. May we be trustworthy in what ever position we find ourselves in Jesus name, amen

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