I didn't lose it ... I gave it

Psalm 70:4 (ESV)

May all who seek you

    rejoice and be glad in you!

May those who love your salvation

    say evermore, “God is great!”

I read a story online of a chaplain who was speaking to a loyal soldier in the hospital. "Bless you son, you saved a fellow soldier's life -- and lost an arm in the great cause doing it," the chaplain said. "No," said the soldier with a smile. "I didn't lose it ... I gave it."

We have so much. The Lord has blessed many of us with good health, the use of our eyes, ears, mouths, hands, feet and minds. He's given us various talents of sorts. He's blessed many of us with homes, cars, and good paying jobs. Most importantly, He's bestowed upon us the wonderful knowledge of His Son, Jesus.

We are all soldiers in God's great army. In the same way, this young soldier gave his arm to save a life, we should be offering our gifts toward God's great cause of salvation for the world.

Let's make it a point to start giving consistently of the gifts God has given us, whatever they may be. After all, Jesus did not lose His life -- He gave it purposefully for us, no strings attached.

Dear Lord, help us be willing to give willingly the things that You have given to us to help others. Thank You for giving for each of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.