"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the LORD and unto us by the will of God."
- 2 Corinthians 8:5
For many years the question has been asked: "What is the greatest need
of the Church today?" You will find different answers in the religious
journals. Some were: The Church today ought to be united into one large
group and present a united front against the forces of evil." But God
never places emphasis upon numbers. Another suggested that the
greatest need for Christ's kingdom is that it ought to have more money.
But nowhere in the Bible does . . .
"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the LORD and unto us by the will of God."
- 2 Corinthians 8:5
For many years the question has been asked: "What is the greatest need of the Church today?" You will find different answers in the religious journals. Some were: The Church today ought to be united into one large group and present a united front against the forces of evil." But God never places emphasis upon numbers. Another suggested that the greatest need for Christ's kingdom is that it ought to have more money. But nowhere in the Bible does emphasis fall upon money as the chief requisite for the triumph of God's cause.
Think of the early Christians; they were people of little means; yet see what they accomplished for Christ. There is something more essential than large numbers and money. We learn from the example of a certain group of Christians that lived in the land of Macedonia at the time of the Apostle Paul. He says of them: "They first gave their own selves to the LORD." And having given themselves to the LORD, it was only natural for them to give of their possessions.
Christian friends, Let us commit ourselves to being as generous with our time and resources as the LORD has been with us.
Incline our hearts toward giving
That we may thus express
To Thee, the great Provider
Our love and thankfulness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - The highest kind of giving comes from deep down in the heart.