Recycled gifts.
“Re-purposed” gifts.
White elephant gifts.
We all know what it’s like to give and to receive leftover gifts.
We’re OK with it typically because some measure of appreciation is being demonstrated, even with the less than prime motivation.
But what about gifts to God?
Did He give us leftovers?
Did He do the Cain thing and give “some” of His love to us by asking Jesus to suffer “some” for us?
Or did He give the best He had by asking Jesus to give all He had, His very life?
Listen, there is no sacrifice where there is no sacrifice.
Yes, I know what I just wrote.
We’re called to give offerings to God that involve a sacrifice.
That means giving up something that we’d really like to keep but want to devote it to God as a sign of His priority in our lives.
Yes, there are plenty of enjoyable things that Lori and I could do with the money given through our tithes and other offerings.
But in view of all that God sacrificed for us and in view of all that He continues to bless us, the least we can do is to genuinely make sacrifices for His Kingdom with monetary support of ministry, with time in Christian service, with donations of items to people in need.
King David had the right idea when he was inspired by God to purchase land in Jerusalem for a place of worship, land that would later become the home for the temple.
The landowner wanted to give it to David, but the imperfect, yet God-loving king refused the donation.
“But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)
Please examine your heart when it comes to financial support of ministry. Don’t ignore the definition of “sacrifice” when it comes to how you help your congregation to serve its community and the missions programs around the world.
There should be an “ouch” — a feeling of having sacrificed — when you write that offering check each week or every two weeks or however you choose to tithe.
For Jesus certainly felt a lot more than “ouch” for your sake and mine when He wrote the check for our redemption with the red ink of His blood.
As always, I love you
Martin
