Giving Ourselves To The Lord And Our Leaders

-April 25, 2022-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“And not only as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”

(2 Corinthians 8:5).

Paul in writing to the Corinthians on the subject of giving, he held up the Macedonian believers as as an example of sacrificial giving. Despite their own trials and poverty, they gave generously to help the saints in other areas that were suffering. They gave according to their ability, and beyond their ability with willingness and joy. Giving should always come from the heart.

Paul commends these dear saints for not only giving of their money, but of themselves first to the Lord and then to their leaders. The Lord always wants our hearts first, then our time, efforts, and money. When we give ourselves first, everything else will fall into place. These Macedonians excelled in giving because they first excelled in living. Paul wanted the Christians at Corinth to fulfill their promise of two years previously in giving their love gift.

One day Jesus was on the temple grounds and he saw many people putting in their offerings into the temple treasury. Many of these these were wealthy men; Among them there was a certain poor widow who put in all that she had. Our Savior was greatly impressed with her gift, more than all the others. Jesus said of her, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had” (Luke 21:3). She put in only two mites, two small Roman coins, but she gave all she had.

When we give of ourselves first to the Lord, it is the best offering we can give. For isn’t that what Jesus gave for us at the cross? He gave His life and shed His precious blood to save us from our sins. Then as we give ourselves first to Him, we will give to our leaders to support the work of the Lord. Our leaders need our prayers, support, and love. They often gets criticized, but seldom get recognized and appreciated.

May the Lord help us to be generous givers as well as dedicated “livers.” Let us hold nothing back but give ourselves fully to Christ and His service. We can never out give the Lord!

Have a blessed day giving ourselves first to the Lord and then to our leaders. We will give a blessing and also receive one. Stay safe and healthy.

In grateful service,

Dean