5  All this was seen as evidence of their commitment to Christ

Paul points out that the Christians in Macedonia first saw their own response in giving as a mark of their commitment to Christ and His church.  "They first gave themselves to the Lord" [verse 5].

They experienced God's commitment to them [verse 9] and so demonstrated their own commitment to Him [verse 5].

One of the striking things about our church is the number of people 'involved' in it.  In the last five years our church has doubled in number.  This has been fantastic.

Yet there is a very major difference between involvement and commitment.  as someone once said, "On a plate of bacon and eggs, the chicken is involved, but the pig is committed!"

Maybe the issue for you is one of commitment - to the Lord.  Have you really understood what the Lord has done for you?  That He came and hung on a tree to take away your sin and pave the way for you to have eternal life.

Everyone else needs to hear this news and respond too - and we have a vital part to play in accomplishing that mission.  As the famous missionary statesman, CT Studd, once said:

"If Jesus Christ was God and died for me, then no sacrifice is too great for me to make for Him!"

Return to 'The Grace of Giving'