In what ways can we offer ourselves willingly in service today? David’s Example of Willing Offering “ But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.” (1 Chronicles 29:14) Seeing Ourselves as Stewards, Not Owners • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • James 1:17—Every good gift we enjoy already belongs to Him. • When we grasp that reality, offering ourselves back becomes joyful, not forced. Practical Ways to Offer Ourselves Willingly Today 1. Time • Set apart daily moments with the Lord (Mark 1:35). • Volunteer consistently in local church ministries—children, music, maintenance, visitation. • Schedule margin for spontaneous acts of kindness (Ephesians 5:15-16). 2. Talents • Use professional skills—accounting, carpentry, technology—for kingdom projects (Exodus 31:3-5). • Mentor younger believers in the abilities God has honed in you (2 Timothy 2:2). 3. Treasures • Tithe and give offerings cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Support missionaries and mercy ministries (Philippians 4:15-17). • Create an emergency benevolence fund to meet needs within the body (Acts 4:34-35). 4. Testimony • Share the gospel in daily conversations (1 Peter 3:15). • Use social media to speak truth with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Write notes of encouragement that include Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Touch—Our Presence and Relationships • Practice hospitality; open your home for fellowship (Romans 12:13). • Visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:36). • Walk in forgiveness, modeling Christ’s love (Ephesians 4:32). The Inner Attitude God Desires • Romans 12:1—present bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • 2 Corinthians 8:3-5—the Macedonians “gave themselves first to the Lord,” then their resources. • Love is the motive; gratitude is the fuel (2 Corinthians 5:14). Living Out a Willing Offering • Begin each day acknowledging, “All I have is Yours.” • Look for unnoticed needs; seize them before being asked. • Celebrate God’s faithfulness when He multiplies simple, willing offerings—just as He did with David’s people, and just as He still delights to do today. |
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