Spend and be Spent for His glory

Lord, help me to live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer will be for–Others.

You may recognize these words as the first stanza from the hymn “Others” written by Charles D. Meigs. According to some research by Jeff Mowery, Meigs’ inspiration for the hymn came from General Ballington Booth.

Mr. Booth was the founder of the Volunteers of America and an officer in the Salvation Army. It is said that in the early 1900s, he had a desire to send a telegram to the many Salvation Army posts around the world, but due to the expense of sending telegrams, he was limited in what he could send. He ultimately chose to send a one-word telegram. That word was “Others.” It is believed that Mr. Meigs, inspired by this one-word telegram, wrote the lyrics to this simple yet profound hymn.

In a recent post, we shared an acrostic of the word “passion,” highlighting 7 qualities and characteristics of zeal. This is the 4th post in which we’re considering the traits in more detail. If you’ve missed the first three posts, go back and read “Pursue God with your Whole Heart”, “Act in Love, Serving One Another,” and “Stand Firm, Unshaken in the Faith.”

Today’s post reminds us that our spiritual passion is expressed in our unselfish desire to serve others. In fact, passion is often formed and fostered by a focus on the needs of others and seeking ways in which we may minister.

Outside of Jesus Himself, one of the most outstanding examples of a man who was “others” oriented was the apostle Paul. He was passionate about preaching Christ, not for his own personal gain or for self-aggrandizement. Instead, he was concerned about the lost, about building up the Body of Christ, and helping Christians grow spiritually.

His giving spirit is captured in a passage that’s easy to overlook in 2 Corinthians 12:15, which he wrote, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” As one writer observed, “This is more than a passing remark; it is a window into the apostle’s heart. It shows us both the cost of true ministry and the joy found in selfless service.”

What did Paul “spend?” No doubt, monetary resources. But more than the financial expenditure, his time, talent, energy, and effort were spent. He expended his physical, mental, and emotional resources into the lives of his brethren. So much so that he was willing to be “spent.”

“Spent” takes Paul’s passion to another level of living and giving. After a long day of work, have you ever plopped down in your easy chair and exclaimed, “I’m spent!”? You know that feeling of your energy level being exhausted. We may feel “spent” from yard work, a household project, a long day on the job, or even in pursuit of some recreational activity. But Paul’s zeal manifested itself in being “spent” for spiritual activities. For the Lord. For his brethren. For others.

However, for the peerless apostle, what he gave was worth the cost. Worth spending and being spent. As John Wesley put it, “It is far better to wear out than to rust out.”

It’s important to note that Paul’s attitude was not derived from human or carnal sources, but from his encounter with Christ. For him, following Christ challenged Paul to imbibe the same spirit of self-sacrifice, humble service, and tireless devotion. Just as Jesus laid down his life for the church, Paul was willing to lay down his reputation, credentials, and social standing among his Jewish peers. His comfort and convenience were of no importance when it came to others’ needs. This spirit was echoed by the Missionary David Livingstone when he wrote, “I will place no value on anything I have or may possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ.”

Paul encouraged others to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Pastors, preachers, parents, and all Christians would do well to partake of his passion. Spiritual success requires countless hours, expending resources, pouring out our mental, emotional, and physical energy, and a sincere focus on others.

How can you apply this principle in your life to “spend and be spent”?

This passionate spirit begins by really loving others. As Amy Carmichael wisely said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” That will fuel your passion. As the chorus of Meigs’ song says…

Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be —
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman