What Motivates You?

This week's portion is one of my favorites (and I know I say that often, but this really is on my top 3). It is called Terumah תְּרוּמָה ("Offering") and the narrative speaks about Moses asking the people for an offering to build the Tabernacle. This portion speaks dear and near to my heart because this is the only time an offering is requested that is not enforced by law. It isn't for covering wrongdoing (sins) or repaying any type of abuse. It is simply a request for the people to give according to their willingness. There was no stipulated amount or deadline. That is why most people translate Terumah as a "Love Offering" even though the word itself only translates as an "Offering". The verse that stands out the most for me is this one (though it happens in a future portion, the narrative began here):

"Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: 'No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.' And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work." Exodus 36:6-7

Any person who has ever been dependent on the contribution of the people can tell you that this was indeed a miracle. I think it happened once and never again. Though I am part of a church congregation that is probably the closest we'll ever get to this example. Our church's members are wonderful and understand the concept of giving for the purpose of building the body of Christ on earth. Again, this is why I enjoy reading this portion so much. The request to give was voluntary and without any stipulation, and the command that followed was to stop giving because they had more than enough. If only the people of Adonai today had the same mentality. The impact we would have on the world would be staggering.

Terumah is a love offering. It is voluntary and has no stipulations or amount.

So, what caused the people to give so generously and willingly? It was the motivation behind the giving. The reason or purpose of giving. They understood that the offering would go towards building the Tabernacle of Adonai. The very dwelling place of the King of the Universe. The place where their God would manifest His holy presence. They got the picture and the grand vision of what they were working towards. I think that many times that is the vision that has been lost today. People give the bare minimum if they give at all, and do it as an obligation. That is because they lost sight of why they are giving. Nothing has changed. We are still building the Tabernacle of Adonai today. The difference is that He dwells in people now. When you give a Terumah to help a brother or sister in need you are still building the Tabernacle of God. When you give time, money, or a gesture of love to a brother or sister in need you are doing something that will echo in eternity. If you get that vision back you will be motivated to act and give in such a way that the Leaders of the body will say... "Stop! You've given too much." Let me show you my words through the Scriptures so that you may gain that vision for yourselves not because I told you so, but because the Spirit who testifies inside you will convince you of the truth.

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" 1 Corinthians 3:16

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" Ephesians 4:11-12

This beautiful mess we call people are living parts of God's temple on earth. Don't worry, Adonai has put up a sign that says: "Pardon our dust. Still under construction." Knowing that the final product will be glorious (See Revelation 21 for an image of the finished product.) That is why Adonai doesn't want a temple with cut stones or rocks like the "false gods" of this world. Adonai always demands that the altars and temples built for him be made of uncut stones. Each stone is unique and has different sizes, shapes, and properties, but are put together in a way that fits. That is you and I. We are not supposed to be cut to the point we become identical. We are all unique and made perfectly by Him and will be put in the right place so that together we become spectacular, beautiful, and strong.

Once you understand the purpose of what we are actually doing on earth you will give 100% of your time and energy to achieve that goal. If this vision becomes your motivation, you will give it all with gladness. That is why Israel gave so much and that is why we can also give with confidence knowing that not a single gesture will be overlooked by our Father. Knowing that every tear of sacrifice you gave will be told throughout eternity when we reach our home. The acts we perform today may seem insignificant, but only He knows how far that word of encouragement you gave will go. I think we will be shocked in heaven at how much God used us without us knowing. The small act of kindness you do with the right motivation can truly touch and change lives and ripple out touching hundreds, maybe thousands of lives. So, rekindle your flames and passion for God today. Refocus your mind and motivation today and offer Him your Terumah. An offering that is not demanded, but an offering that you give your best towards building the body of Christ. Shalom VeShavuah Tov. I love you all!

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58