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Get Her Done
John Tilton2 Corinthians 8:10-12
And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Paul in his encouragement to the Corinthians also tested them in their earnestness in their giving of themselves and their resources in terms of their intent which was wonderful, but more so their ability to complete their intent. Paul goes on to affirm that the acceptability of a gift is the ability to possess it or have the means to posses it in order to give it. He cuts to the chase in reminding them that desire and words is only the beginning of intent and follow through.
Often times we will have a great desire to give of our resources, and ourselves, especially when there is a call to do so or when, honestly, when in some situations there is recognition and accolades … even the utmost in intentions. However, after the fact, we may let our desire and intent slide, especially if things arise that compete for our time and resources, causing us to scale back or move on, especially if we are not being held accountable. To justify the situation we will often not renege on the intent or promise, but continue to let things slide … all with the justification of too many things in competition and so we push matters off. Words that come to mind – tomorrow, “I’ll get to it soon,” “real busy right now,” “need to take care of impending matter,” “don’t have It right now.”
It’s my desire to “get her done.” Do now, what there will be the propensity to put off to tomorrow or future. It’s as simple as the things in my home that can be a testament to whether I have a lot laying around that are not put away or in place, or projects left undone, or fulfilling my commitment to those I have professed by resources or support to.
Dear Lord, please guide me to be intentional and resourceful in my giving of my time and resources in serving you, my family, my ministry and others. If I am called and am prompted to make a commitment, may I find the way and means to fulfill my commitment, so that as Paul states “. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has.”