A true sacrifice in giving to charity is giving something of value to yourself. I’m ashamed to admit I don’t always give intentionally sacrificially. Many times I have set aside clothes or household goods for charity that I no longer need, are tired of, or have become a little worn, but look almost new. Or, my tithe is given after my bills are paid, rather than giving my tithe first. When I give food, it’s not my favorite canned vegetables, but the ones that continue to be in the back of my pantry. Or I give goods that are duplicates. I don’t think I’m alone in confessing this. Do you see yourself doing this? Is this truly a sacrifice?
In Biblical times, the standard was to give the best of the first harvest as a sacrifice to bring to the temple of the Lord. We are doing this when we tithe a portion of our income as we receive it. I try to think of this when I first get paid, rather than giving to the Lord after my bills are paid. The amount you give is the amount God places upon your heart to give. We are to give gladly and not begrudgingly.
Not only are we to give the first and best of what God provides for us, we are to sacrifice our lives to Him. This means whatever we do we give Him our best in attitude, effort and excellence.
Some might be tempted to give the minimum effort to a task to get it done. Or just halfway. As Christians we should give ourselves fully at 100%, doing our best with excellence.
This applies to everything we do, not just in our jobs, but at home, in our finances and personal relationships. It doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, because nobody is, but finish your work in such a way it is pleasing to God.
A very important part of sacrificial giving is giving your life to Christ. This means allowing God to use you for his glory. To do this pray the prayer of salvation: Lord, I believe you died for me on the cross, you took my sins upon you and I have been forgiven. I am seen as righteous before God because of your sacrifice. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit that is within me. And I am within you. I will follow you and walk with you the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Be sure to attend a Bible believing Christian church this Sunday. Get involved in a Bible Study and volunteer to serve. Download the Bible app on your phone and begin the habit of reading the Bible and the app’s daily devotionals. Tune into Christian radio. You will grow closer to God as He works in your heart. Giving your life to Christ is the most important decision you could ever make. You will live with Christ eternally in Heaven when you die. What could be better than that?!
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. (Proverbs 3:9 NLT)
As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the Lord your God. (Exodus 34:26 NLT)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1 NIV11)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 NIV
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