By David Faust
The apostle Paul commended first-century Christians who lived in the Greek province of Macedonia because they “gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” (2 Corinthians 8:5). Those Macedonian disciples modeled an important truth. Before giving anything else to God, we first should give him ourselves—our bodies and brains, buildings and bucks, burdens and blessings, budgets and bank accounts. The Lord is the ultimate owner of everything we possess.
Obviously, Jesus’ followers should be generous. But the Lord advocated a level of commitment and sacrifice that goes far beyond token giving. He called his disciples to “deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). When you’re carrying a cross, there’s no room in your hands for anything else.
The way of Christ isn’t merely to put yourself last, but to give yourself first. God doesn’t need your money; but if you give him your heart, your money will come along.
The Results of Generosity
Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). Getting in return isn’t the reason to give, but it’s often the result of giving. We shouldn’t give because of what we get out of it; but it really is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). What will happen if you give yourself first to the Lord?
Your giving will surpass what you could do by human strength alone. The Macedonian Christians “gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3).
Generosity leads to spiritual growth. Giving makes us more grateful. It helps us get our priorities straight and put God’s kingdom first. It makes us more merciful toward others in need, and more mindful of heavenly things. Paul urged, “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (8:7).
Giving allows us to imitate the example of Christ. He gave more than money; he gave himself. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (8:9).
If you give yourself away first, you will find greater joy in giving away other things. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Selfless generosity opens a conduit to other blessings from God, which you can use to serve him. Notice Paul’s expansive use of the words all and every in these verses:
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. . . . You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (9:8, 11, emphasis added).
Generosity isn’t mainly about money. It starts with an attitude of loving surrender that says, in the words of the songwriter, “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”
Personal Challenge: Before you give another dollar to the church or another charitable cause, pause and pray: “Lord, I give myself to you. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love my neighbors as myself. Then, out of a loving heart, let me give generously and cheerfully to honor you.”
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David Faust’s new book, Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years, was released April 10. It is available from College Press and Amazon. To read an article/excerpt from Not Too Old, click here.
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