This is where our priorities should begin.  At the very top of our list, should be God.  When this is the case, the rest of the things we considered this week will fall into place very easily.  The churches of Macedonia gave us a great example of this.

Being aware of the tensions that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles in the church, Paul decided to take advantage of a bad situation.  As often happened, the land of Israel was hit by a famine.  The brethren of Judea were struggling.  Paul knew that if Gentiles from various local churches gave aid to the Jewish brethren of Judea, it would help their relationship and strengthen the church.

Romans 15:25-27 (ESV)
²⁵  At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. ²⁶  For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. ²⁷  For they were pleased to do it…

Paul took an interesting approach in dealing with the churches of Macedonia and Achaia.  The churches of Macedonia would consist mostly of brethren from Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, while the brethren of Achaia would refer primarily to the church at Corinth.

To persuade these brethren to give to the cause, Paul encouraged them with each other, telling them how well the other was doing or planned to do.  It is what he told the brethren at Corinth about the saints in Macedonia that is impressive.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (ESV)
¹  We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, ²  for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, ⁴  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— ⁵  and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

What a remarkable act of generosity and benevolence.  These saints loved their brethren in Judea to the point that they gave beyond what Paul expected, begging him to allow them to have a part in this great cause.  What was behind their love and kindness?  It was that they first gave themselves to the Lord, proving their priorities were in proper order.

How are your priorities?  Is God at the top of your list?  Do you serve the cause of Christ well because you have first given yourselves to the Lord?  The brethren in Macedonia had every opportunity to make excuses and not give to the poor saints of Judea.  They were struggling with poverty themselves, but they sacrificed individually so that they could collectively help the brethren who were in need.

If we want our priorities to be properly aligned, we must begin by seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).  Let us remember, though, that a priority list is just that—a list.  It does not become reality until we put it into action.  The saints at Corinth promised to participate in this benevolent cause, but, unlike the brethren of Macedonian, they had not yet completed the work.  Let’s all apply the advice that Paul gave to them.

2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. ¹¹  So now finish doing it…    

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.