LETTING GOD BE THE SOURCE OF MY GIVING
- Key Verse
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on." (Mark 12:43-44)
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Central Truth
God calls me to give more than I have in my surplus cup. He calls me to give more than I have in my reserve cup. How can I give more than I have to give?
Reflections
I am tired. I sometimes feel stretched. There are times when I do not want to give. I honor that part of my flesh. I do not want to relate, spend time, make dinner, do laundry, and clean the house. I’m tired. I’ve worked hard. What about my needs?
As I read this passage about the poor widow giving her two mites, I see that these were not extra mites. This was her bread for the day. I bet she was really tired. Maybe she left the temple and had to work a little more that day. As she was giving those mites, perhaps she thought about someone else in need. Not someone she knew or that knew her so that she could feel an immediate sense of gratification and pride over her gift. Just a “neighbor” in need. In this same chapter, Jesus teaches us of the greatest commandment. Love God with all your heart. He followed that with; love your neighbor as yourself. That poor widow fulfilled those commandments quite nicely with those two mites.
How often do I give out of my abundance? When I feel abundantly energetic, from a time perspective, financially? That’s easy. I can do that. How often do I give when I am depleted? When I have no time, no energy? How about this one? How often do I give out of my need; my “need” to have time to myself? It is easy to give when I have something extra to give. I think maybe God is talking to me about giving when I don’t have extra to give. Because when I do that, it is no longer about me. It is about Him. I can give what I have to give. I cannot give what I do not have to give. Only God can provide me the means to do that. Only His Spirit dwelling and living in me can raise up my flesh, my spirit, my soul to do what He is calling me to do. I can never do it on my own. I’m just too tired.
Discussion Questions
1. When you give (in whatever form) do you find yourself giving "extra" when you have "extra?"2. Do you ever give financially so that you can feel better about not giving your time?
3. When was the last time you literally dragged your body to give of yourself and thought "there is no way I will get through this?"
Were you amazed at God's power to lift you up and accomplish His purpose?
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