The Path to Spiritual Restoration
In Review: When Priorities Quietly Change
Most believers would confidently say, "God comes first in my life." But sometimes our lives look less like "God first" and more like "God... somewhere on the list." This struggle is not new. Long before smartphones, busy schedules, and endless emails, the people of Israel faced the same issue. Their story unfolds in the Book of Haggai chapter one. (Part 1 from last week.) At the same time, the New Testament gives us a powerful example through the generosity of the Macedonian believers described by Paul the Apostle in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians.
One group delayed God's work for years. The other gave themselves fully to the Lord. Between these two examples lies a timeless truth: Spiritual restoration begins when God becomes our first priority again.
The Macedonian Example – 2 Corinthians 8
The New Testament presents a remarkable contrast. The Macedonian believers faced poverty and hardship, yet they demonstrated extraordinary generosity. Their secret was simple: "They gave themselves first to the Lord" (2 Corinthians 8:5).
Notice the order. They did not begin by giving money. They began by giving their hearts.
When our hearts belong to God, generosity and service naturally follow.
Stewardship: Offering Our Whole Lives to God
True stewardship extends far beyond finances. God calls us to offer every dimension of life to Him.
1 Time – Our Most Precious Resource
Every person receives the same twenty-four hours each day. When God comes first, we intentionally dedicate time to prayer, worship, Scripture, and service. Time spent with God is never wasted—even if your calendar thinks you should be doing something "more productive."
2) Talents – Gifts Waiting to Be Used
God has given each person unique abilities. Some teach clearly. Others lead effectively. Some encourage, organize, build, sing, or serve. And in many churches there is always one very special person who knows how to fix the sound system—an ability that sometimes feels like a spiritual gift of the highest order!
When we dedicate our talents to God, ordinary skills become powerful tools for ministry.
3) Resources – Blessings Entrusted to Us
Resources include finances, possessions, and material blessings. The Macedonian believers understood a powerful truth: Everything they had ultimately belonged to God. When we adopt that perspective, giving becomes an act of gratitude and worship rather than obligation.
4) Opportunities – Doors God Opens
Throughout life, God presents opportunities to serve, encourage, and influence others. These opportunities may appear through:
Often the difference between impact and missed opportunity is simply the willingness to say: "Yes, Lord."
5) Devotion – The Heart of It All
At the center of stewardship lies devotion. Devotion is the love, reverence, and loyalty that keeps our hearts anchored in God. Without devotion, ministry becomes duty. But with devotion, even the smallest act—giving, serving, encouraging—becomes an expression of love for God. Devotion keeps God where He belongs: first.
Realigning Our Priorities
The stories of Haggai's generation (last week's Part 1) and the Macedonian believers remind us that spiritual renewal is always possible. When we:
...our lives begin to change.
As we offer God our time, talents, resources, opportunities, and devotion, we align our lives with His purposes. And when we do, the promise spoken through the Book of Haggai still speaks powerfully today: "I am with you."
There is no greater blessing than living with the assurance of God's presence. Amen!
- Bishop Joseph Mutua Muindi
General Overseer, Cornerstone Christian Church Int'l
Nairobi, Kenya
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