If you didn't already know, there is considerable difference
in making a
contribution to the work of Christ and in being committed to Him. Lots
of folks make
contributions to Christ (maybe that same old dollar bill they've been
giving since
depression days), but few give their "bodies a living sacrifice," Romans
12:1-2.
The old story of the chicken and the pig illustrates this.
A chicken and a pig were"
going down an old dirt road, when they noticed a sign telling of a
banquet to be given for a charitable organization. Both the chicken and
the pig thought they should help, but could not think of a way. Suddenly,
the chicken said, "I know! I'll donate a dozen eggs, and you can donate
the ham." 'Hold on," said the pig. "For you, that's just a contribution,
but for me it's a total commitment."
That is what God requires of us - total commitment. Let
us make Galatians 2:20
a pattern for our lives: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless
I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live
by the faith of the
Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."