Rich but so Poor

A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a
cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to
you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributers in the
treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of
her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.

Mark 12:42-44

God notices how much we give. This isn't about the offering bucket or
how much we offer in time, talents or treasures. It's really about
what we give that we want to hold on to. To give what's leftover is
easy. It doesn't require a sacrifice or change of heart or
lifestyle. But a true offering of yourself comes through surrender.
It's about offering your neighbor food from your plate, money from
your wallet.

I'm so very blessed to never worry about food, shelter or finances. I
create anxiety by not stewarding these well but I truly have an
abundance in the grand view. And I do give generously but is that
like the other "contributers" or the widow? It's very much the former
and I'm convicted. It really doesn't matter that I contribute my
10%. What matters is what kind of tranformation happens when I do
give. Do I offer to help when I have extra time or when it's
convenient? Do I give financially after the bills are paid? Do I
serve the body of Christ when conditions are comfortable? I just
answered "yes" to all these and this won't work... A change needs to
happen or else I'm in big trouble.

Father God, thank You for blessing me with so much but that's not an
end in itself. I know Lord that my life has been set aside for more
than that. Help me Wonderful Counselor to bust out of my
selfishness. I need to love You by sacrifice, that's what You did and
I need to follow. Love You Jesus! Amen!