“Sacrificial giving of Self”

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2



Just about anyone would agree that growing is a good thing, but relatively few people actually dedicate themselves to the process. Why? Because growth requires change, and change is hard for most people. But the truth is that without change, growth is impossible.

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 2 Cor 8:1-5

Lately I have noticed that I may need to experience a “rewrite”. I’m talking about my personal relationship focused “rewrite” with God. Often I ask myself,” Ron is this a cliché or temporary behavior modification you are having or will it be a permanent and inspirational change that really begins with a sacrificial focus that embraces on what God wants not me”.

Most people fight against this rewrite or change, especially when it affects them personally. As novelist Leo Tolstoy said, "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." The ironic thing is that change is inevitable. Everybody has to deal with it in his or her lives. On the other hand, growth is optional. You can choose to grow, change or to fight it. But know this: people unwilling to grow will never reach their potential.

This rewrite of my thoughts came during Prime timers Bible study as we were studying 2 Corithians 8. I was touched by the words presented by pastor Ross leading our discussion “sacrificial giving of self” my mind thought about change, gifts and the whole process of Ministers of change for me as part of the body of Christ. My question, why so many congregations/people have problems with change? Is it because they expect the ministers/leaders to do all of the work, not themselves?

In Corinthians 8:1-5 Paul begins with an example of sacrificial giving. He speaks about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Paul seeks to motivate the Corinthians by making reference to a longstanding competitor, the Greece and Macedonia. These churches were experiencing the most severe trial, this sort of trial that left them in a condition of extreme poverty. Even more, just as persecution did not take away from their joyfulness, neither did the change of poverty lessen their ability to be generous. Paul says that their poverty surged up in rich generosity and what they gave; they gave entirely on their own by a free choice. Finally, the Macedonian generosity was possible because they gave themselves first to the Lord and only then to Paul. I thought to myself, what a great example, it is not just a financial obligation. It is a ministry mind set, opportunity of change to the saints, those set apart to be God’s possession daily.

Congregations always have many projects going on (seminars, outreach programs, maintenance projects, mission trips, etc.) but must realize that none of these programs would do much good if this change wasn't made first, because without more members making their faith their lives - these things won't be possible.

You see the thing necessary to accomplish is not money. Simply creating a line item for something in the budget process doesn't automatically make that thing possible. We need to understand that the most important thing necessary to accomplish these and all other plans and dreams that we may have as a congregation is changing from part-time faith to a full-time sacrificial faith because we cannot serve a full-time God with a part-time faith. Brothers and sisters if we accept the challenge of living full-time by faith, money, giving of time or dealing with change will not be an issue because God promises to provide all we need if we believe all the time.

Back to that rewrite of thought, before we can experience a rewrite, we must ask ourselves these Faith questions:

Do I believe in change? (Guided by the word of God)

Do I believe people can change? (Trust in God by the Holy Spirit)

Do I believe I can change? (Putting it into Action)

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”  But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”  And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”  Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”  He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring[d] be.”  Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Genesis 15:1-6

From this scripture, we can find 3 keys to letting God rewrite our story:

1. Fear (Admitting it)

Abraham was afraid that he wouldn’t get what he really wanted. Instead of stuffing this inside and pretending he didn’t really want a kid, he was honest with God. What fears do you need to express to God?

2. Flexibility

Abraham made a shift in how he thought about God. It wasn’t just about what he could get from God anymore, but decided to trust God and serve him even if it meant not having kids on his timeline.

3. Faith

After he admitted his fears and changed his thinking, Abraham made a decision to believe God’s promise about his destiny for him. Do you believe your emotions more than what God says in the Bible?

So, how will we know if the faith challenge has been accepted?

In the book of Malachi, God speaks to His people through the voice of the prophet Malachi. The Jewish people had been slacking in their service to the Lord, holding back on their sacrifices, offering Him sick and injured animals instead of giving their best and trusting Him to provide. God challenges them to change this practice and lays out the reward for those who, by faith, would make the necessary changes. In Malachi 3:10 He tells the people:

... test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

So I ask, what rewrite needs to take place in your life in order to make God the priority, and not just "part" of your life?

God Bless You and This Ministry!