Give Yourself for Christ

‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.’ – Matthew 2:2

After worshipping, the wise men presented their gifts. One broke open his casket of gold and laid it at the feet of the new-born King. Another presented frankincense, one of the precious products of the country from which they came; others laid myrrh at the Redeemer’s feet; all these they gave to prove the truth of their worship. They gave substantial offerings with no grudging hand. And now, after you have worshipped Christ in your soul and seen him with the eye of faith, give him yourself, your heart and your substance. Why, you will not be able to help doing it. He who really loves the Saviour in his heart, cannot help devoting to him his life, his strength, his all.

With some people, when they give Christ anything or do anything for him, it is dreadfully forced work. They say, ‘the love of Christ ought to constrain us.’ I do not know that there is any such text as that in the Bible, however. I do remember one text that runs thus— ‘the love of Christ constraineth us’. If it does not constrain us, it is because it is not in us. It is not merely a thing which ought to be; it must be. If any man loves Christ, he will very soon be finding out ways and means of proving his love by his sacrifices. Go home, Mary, and fetch the alabaster box, and pour the ointment on his head, and if any say, ‘To what purpose is this waste?’ you will have a good reply; you have had much forgiven, therefore you love much. If you have gold, give it; if you have frankincense, give it; if you have myrrh, give it to Jesus; and if you have none of these things, give him your love, all your love, and that will be gold and spices all in one. Give him your tongue and speak of him; give him your hands and work for him; give him your whole self. I know you will, for he loved you and gave himself for you.

– C. H. Spurgeon