The "Pig Wills" of Exodus

Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: Exodus 35:21 And they came, everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and brought the LORD’S offering to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the sacred vestments.

Observation: A willing, generous, or stirred heart can do wonders and, in fact, can provide more than what is even needed. These words (willing, generous or stirred hearts) come up many times in this chapter.

Application: I love the little children’s story of “Pig Will” and “Pig Won’t.” Pig Will sees all of life as opportunity. Pig Won’t sees all of life as burden and imposition which he or she (I don’t think the gender of the pigs was ever revealed) will resist at every turn.

In Bible times there were human versions of Pig Will and Pig Won’t. In Exodus 35 it doesn’t say that everyone’s heart was stirred or that everyone’s heart was generous or willing. Instead it just focuses on those whose hearts were stirred or willing or generous. The naysayers no doubt existed, but the people of a more willing persuasion prevailed and provided what was needed. In fact, they provided more than what was needed and actually had to be told to stop giving for a while.

In life it is such a pleasure to be around the Pig Wills of the world. Life is just so much more fun, even in the midst of difficulty or significant challenge, when one is around such people.

But why are some people predominantly one way and other’s the other? I think in large part it has to do with whether we understand ourselves to be graciously blessed or deserving. If we think we are deserving, we tend to think we are entitled to things, which tends to bring smugness when we receive what we think we are entitled to receive and tends to bring resentment when we do not receive what we think we are entitled to receive. On the other hand, if we think we are simply graciously blessed, we tend to just be thankful when things work out well for us and, even if things don’t work out well for us, we tend to find ways to focus on what little good can be found.

Prayer: Lord, it almost sounds trite to pray like this, but I pray that, in thanksgiving for all that you’ve done, I act more like Pig Will than Pig Won’t. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included Exodus 35-36 and Acts 10)