Our Scripture reading today is 2 Corinthians 8:5-7.
Verse 5, "And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Corinth and is referring to the believers in Macedonia. They have set an example that was worthy of following then and now. The most valuable possession we have that can be given to God is ourselves. The value is not in and of ourselves. It is due to the fact that Jesus Christ purchased us with His own blood. He gives us our value!
God always deserves the preeminence. ("first gave") When we are willing to surrender ourselves to the Lord every thing else will follow. ("and unto us) This is the perfect plan God has put in place. ("by the will of God")
If you have not yet given your life to the Lord, start today! This is a daily decision to wholly follow the will of God. In order to do this, we must die to self and live for Jesus Christ. Once this takes place, we are more than willing to love our enemies, preach the Gospel, tithe of our income, give to missions, and on and on it goes. To God be all the glory!