How can we first give ourselves to the Lord in daily life? Setting the Scene of 2 Corinthians 8:5 “And not only as we had expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us through the will of God.” (2 Corinthians 8:5) Paul is praising the Macedonian believers. Long before they opened their purses, they opened their hearts. Their generosity flowed out of prior surrender. Giving Ourselves First: The Core Idea • Surrender precedes service. • Relationship precedes resources. • God wants the giver before the gift. • Daily surrender is the “living sacrifice” of Romans 12:1–2. • The pattern: seek Him first (Matthew 6:33) and everything else finds order. Practical Steps for Each Morning 1. Present your body. “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). Before feet hit the floor, consciously yield your mind, emotions, and schedule. 2. Confess Christ’s ownership. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). A simple “Lord, I belong to You today” aligns the heart. 3. Renew your mind in Scripture. Even a short reading anchors truth; John 15:5 reminds us we can do nothing apart from Him. 4. Invite His filling. “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Dependence, not self-effort, fuels obedience. 5. Commit the day’s plans. “Commit your way to the LORD” (Psalm 37:5). Place appointments, relationships, and tasks under His lordship. Living Surrender Through the Day • Interruptions become divine appointments; remain flexible. • Speak and act “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Practice quick confession when sin surfaces (1 John 1:9). • Keep gratitude flowing; thanksgiving keeps the heart soft. • Serve others sacrificially—proof you’ve first given yourself to Him (Galatians 5:13). Guarding Against Drift • Schedule periodic “heart checks.” Ask: Am I still on the altar? • Limit voices that dull devotion—media, conversations, habits. • Remember Luke 9:23: deny self, take up cross daily, follow Him. • Anchor identity in Christ, not performance (Galatians 2:20). Overflow Toward Others When the Lord has us, He also has our: • Time—availability for ministry. • Talents—skills offered for His glory (1 Peter 4:10). • Treasure—cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Testimony—words that point people to the Savior (Acts 1:8). Just as the Macedonians surrendered first, our generosity—of kindness, resources, and service—becomes the natural overflow. In Review To “give ourselves first to the Lord” means daily, deliberate surrender of who we are and what we have. Start each morning on the altar, stay there through the day, and watch the Lord multiply your surrendered life for His glory and others’ good. |
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