My Offering

S has been practicing for weeks to play piano during the offering at church today. But by yesterday it was clear that certain parts of his piece simply would not come together. Throughout the day as I ran errands, I thought long about the things we bring to and do for the Lord. How we want them to be glorious and perfect and worthy--all the things that we are not. I felt compelled to write this last night. I read it during the offering today.

My Offering

• 
  I want to honor Christ the King
  I want to bring
  an offering that’s worthy
  A treasure chest
  A song to sing
  A dance with lyre
  And tambourine
  
  Gifts of gold
  A prized possession
  Wealth untold
  A grand profession of faith
  or hope
  of praise
  or growth
  or joy
  
  A noble action
  thought
  or deed
  A lofty manifesto
  creed
  or declaration
  
  Or a disposition quiet like
  a gentle spotless lamb
  A humble life of sacrifice
  presented to the great I AM
  
  But no
  
  For all I have
  is nothing
  My works are filthy rags
  My words reek of hypocrisy
  My fickle fervor lags
  behind my good intentions
  
  My talents they run shallow
  My wellsprings mostly dry
  My heart too often heavy
  My lack of faith decries
  that I have nothing
  fit to give My King
  

• 
  But mindful of my dust-filled frame
  He bids me come to Him
  to kneel in His presence
  to offer every sin
  and heavy burden
  and heartfelt pain
  Give up my prized possessions
  worldly gain
  my hopes
  fears
  joys
  tears
  My all
  To this world die
  
  That I might live
  in Him
  And in this life
  that I might bring Him
  everything
  that He has given me
  
  For every good and perfect gift
  is from his hand above
  His Word declares
  His glory
  His sacrifice
  His love
  His worthy offering
  in place of mine
  
  For everything is from Him
  and everything returns
  that He has given
  
  And so my heart that yearns
  to bring an offering
  is satisfied
  in Him
  
  
  mjv