Giving Our Best

Monday, November 18, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.”

Exodus 35:20–22

The evangelist Gipsy Smith told the story of a letter he received from a woman in London, asking him to come and speak. She wrote, “I have a meeting I want you to come to speak to. It is only a small meeting and will take nothing out of you.” Smith replied, “I cannot come, and it would be of no use if I did come. If it takes nothing out of me it will do nobody any good.” He concluded by saying, “It is service that costs, and a cheap religion is not worth preaching.”

We are surrounded by a society that is focused on getting and keeping as much as possible. No doubt you’ve seen the popular bumper sticker “He who dies with the most toys wins.” The Christian mindset is directly opposite to that. Rather than trying to hold on to everything we can, we should always be willing to follow the example of Jesus. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). There is always something else we could do with the time and money that we give to God’s work. Giving our best to Him shows that He is in first place in our hearts.

Today's Growth Principle: 

If we are not willing to make sacrifices, we will never accomplish anything of value for God.