Read Mark 12:41-44 How do you measure the value of a gift? The price tag, the resale value, the social statement, the fun, or is it the thought that counts? The world’s economy starkly contrasts with God’s kingdom. By many measures, the poor widow gave the least, but Jesus reveals the truth about God’s kingdom: God values a gift for its sacrifice because this demonstrates complete dependence on the Lord. This is how God calls all followers to give: open-handed, openhearted and fully trusting….in other words, DEVOTED.
What would it look like for you to follow the widow’s example as part of your DEVOTED commitment?
3 Comments
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Michael Hulett
on May 15, 2015I love the idea of giving being a sacrifice. Because at the heart of worship is sacrifice. With that mindset, I can understand my giving as an act of worship. A way to honor God not with an amount or with money, but with a sacrifice. God never asks us to give two mites or two million dollars. He asks to give us our heart. For me to follow the widow’s example it would be to have a heart of worship when I give. To sacrifice something.
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MO
on May 15, 2015Why did the widow give? Whatever compelled her to give such a large portion of her income- I want that heart. Maybe she was grateful to God and wanted to express it. Maybe she wanted to be part of what was happening at the temple because she thought it was important. Maybe she was faithful in giving her whole life, and she chose to trust God even though her circumstances had changed. My motives for earning and spending money change when I view that activity as an act of worship. Do I view money as a tool for God’s Kingdom?
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Kevin
on May 15, 2015Following the widow’s example for me means giving more than I ever have back to God. I want to be able to say that I am storing up my treasures in heaven. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself in furthering God’s mission through the church.
