Giving Unto The Lord

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. - 2 Samuel 24:24

    Why not have a rummage sale, candy sale, or a supper to raise money for the missionaries or the church? Why not a bond sale with high percentages returns? David gave us the answer when Araunah offered him the threshing floor, the oxen and the wood to sacrifice to the Lord (II Sam. 24:24). "I will not offer unto the Lord my God that which costs me nothing!"

    A gracious heart will not try to serve God with that which costs him nothing. If it is worth nothing to you, it is worth less to God! Any gift, service, or effort for the glory of God that does not in some way involve the element of sacrifice or self-denial is of no spiritual value! Our examples in the scripture of true worship demand the first-fruits, the firstling of the flock and the choice lamb. God gave his Son—Abraham brought Isaac—the widow gave all she had! And we bring our used clothing, a collection of Coke bottles, and our spare time! God doesn't want your spare anything!

    1. A gift which costs me nothing reveals a lack of faith in God's power to provide!

    2. A gift which costs me nothing reveals a lack of love for the object of that gift. True love considers no labor, cost or difficulty too great.

    3. A gift which costs me nothing reveals a lack of regard for God's glory and majesty. The prophet in Malachi 1:8 says "Bring your stale bread and your sick sheep to your governor and see if he will accept it.”

    4. A gift which costs me nothing will never be accepted by the Living God who said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me!"

"My life, my love I give to thee
Thou Son of God who died for me."