For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
We all come into this world with a worldview bent around ourselves. We seek to better ourselves, protect ourselves, and glorify ourselves. This is my world, you are just living in it is the motto we have all sung before. But this short life is not meant to be all about us. God created us. He is the Author of every gift and talent that we have. The Painting never takes all the glory for itself. The Painting always points back to the Painter and gives praise and honor to the work of its author.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us that The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. That is the End Result of a life turned from sin and self to God. We come to Him with our broken lives and He steps in and puts us back together again with a new purpose and a new desire. "If anyone is in Christ they are a new Creation." (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we realize the love of God for us and how amazing and wonderful He is, we stop seeking to glorify ourselves and to make life all about us. Life becomes sweeter and better because we begin to live it as He intended--in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
This is what had happened in the passage above. The Corinthian church had experienced the transforming power of God's love. This was a catalyst of the change that moved them to do wonderful things for others--in this case it was giving to others in need. The End Result of their giving was others giving thanks to God!
This is what God wants for us and from us. He wants us to be blessed by giving His love away--however that looks. It could be money, gifts, time, or practical service to someone's needs. When we pour His love from our heart into the lives of others, it will cause them to thank Him. He will get the honor, the glory, and the praise because He is the source and the reason for the change of our lives and the gifts that we give. We and others abound with thanksgiving to God.
Blessings to you!
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