Gifts - 3

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the LORD; and King David also rejoiced greatly. 1 Chronicles 29:9

In the past two Daydrops we have looked a little at the gifts that we have been given for the building up of the body of Christ, but I felt this time to look at a different angle;  another way we give into God's work.  My question is 'How much is enough?'

Jesus was a frequent visitor to the temple; teaching, challenging, observing.  Little escaped his attention.  I am inclined to think that he sometimes 'flew under the radar' as he sat with his close circle of followers.  The temple was a busy place with many comings and goings.  Recently my attention was caught afresh by a familiar story. Jesus was sitting near the treasury and visitors to the temple were putting their gifts into this box which would help with the upkeep and the work of the temple, rich and poor alike.

It was not those that were generous with their big gifts that he chose to make an everlasting example of.  The gift that caught Jesus' attention that day was that of a little lady, completely oblivious to the attention her donation was getting.  The sound of her two tiny coins (mites), falling in the box had a different sound to all the heavy coins that were more prevalent that day.  Did she feel ashamed that she could give such a small amount?  Perhaps she did, but Jesus commended her above all the others because they had given out of their abundance but she had given her last two coins.  Trusting that God would take care of her, she withheld nothing.

The work of the church costs.  It costs to pay our pastors and leaders and those who assist in administration.  We need money to feed the poor, help the needy, support our missionaries, run training, print literature and so on.  Churches can't run on fresh air.  That is why we are to give joyfully, not out of compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7), recognising that all things comes from God and it is only of his own that we are giving back to him as David said. (1 Chronicles 29:14)

If we can give much then let us do it humbly and give God thanks and praise, but if we can only give a little it can be much more in the sight of God so we should also give gladly and not be ashamed. he will by no means despise the little.  Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father thank you for your faithful provision of all that I need.  Help me to hold loosely the money you give and to be a joyful and generous giver, always thanking you for what I am able to give, whether much or little.  Amen