Recently while talking with a wealthy philanthropist, he made the following comment only half jokingly. He said “I want my money to run out the same day I die.” In other words, he didn’t want anything left. His thought process was I want to use it all up while I am here but sure don’t want to run out before I am gone.
As I pondered the thought, I was reminded of a spiritual conversation of a few days ago. It was brought to my attention that a particular brother in the church then serving in a leadership position had said he had to pace himself in church work because he was in it for the long haul. He did not wish to burn out so his plan was to spread himself out over the years. He, like the philanthropist wished for his resources, energy and opportunities, to run out about the same time as his days on earth. How sad, especially in one being looked to as an example!
So what did Paul have to say regarding this matter? Twice he referenced being poured out as a drink offering (Phil 2: 17, 2 Tim 4: 6). In the Mosaical Law, the drink offering was poured out as a sacrifice to GOD. It is noteworthy in both of these references, Paul states he was being poured out, used up, exhausted, spent, and drained for the cause of Christ. The idea is having nothing left. That was Paul’s idea of his service to GOD. Giving all. Holding nothing back. All used up.
Of the Macedonians, Paul says they gave themselves first (2 Cor 8:5). When we discuss giving, we first think of our resources and maybe even our talents and opportunities. But the Macedonians’ example teaches us that it goes much deeper than that. We give ourselves. We give ourselves completely holding nothing back. We give ourselves to be all used up.
For what am I saving myself? Am I pacing myself for the long haul? What if there is no long haul? What talents, resources and opportunities have I to offer the LORD? And when will I be about doing it? If not now, when? If not me, who? When my time is spent here on this earth, I want to be all used up. May the LORD help me to that end.