0389. Giving Yourself to God

Giving Yourself to God

"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2Co_8:5).

This seems the natural result of the preceding theme: "Putting God First." When God is first, we will certainly be giving ourselves first to Him.

Our full and complete consecration to God, is our reasonable service. And such a full consecration is absolutely necessary, if we are going to treat God right in our other things.

There are Christians who may try to satisfy their hearts by offering to God some gift of money, or some labor in His vineyard, as the proof of their love. This will not be acceptable to God.

God does not want our money, or our time, or our toil, in lieu of our heart’s affection.

Illustration: Suppose some man gave his wife a beautiful home, and a fine automobile, and every luxury that money could buy; but he gave his heart’s love to another woman. Would that wife be satisfied? NO. She would rather have his love than his gifts. Indeed, if she is a true woman, his gifts, apart from his love, would only mock her.

A happy home is not builded upon things, but upon two hearts, made one, in love.

The sad lack in the Church at Ephesus was: "Thou hast left thy first love."

Has it never occurred to us that our Lord loves us, and that He wants our love?

Let us not seek, then, to satisfy our Saviour, Who gave Himself for us, by giving anything less than ourselves to Him.

"Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small,

Love, so amazing, so Divine,

Demands my love, my life, my all."

2. It is moreover true, that when we give ourselves first to God, we will certainly give Him all we have. Who is it that gives the most largely to the Lord? Who is it that serves the most? It is the one who loves most.

Ann Hazelton Judson, with her babe clinging to her, was traveling through Burmah hunting her husband, whom the natives had stolen from her. Through savage tribes and fever-infested districts, she covered many miles until, at last, her tireless efforts were rewarded. She found her husband in the sorest need of her loving care. Why did she persevere in her search? It was love that pressed her on.

When true love to Christ grips our hearts it will constrain us to any service and to any sacrifice that will glorify His name.

"O love that will not let me go

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the love I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR