Today’s devotion is based off of week 3 of Unlikely Heroes: A Widow (WATCH HERE)
How much should I give?
This question is maybe one you have asked.
The answer, when it is given from a trusted source, implies that if I follow it, I am doing the right thing.
So for example, if you ask your pastor this question, and he responds with $100 and you give $100, you feel like you have done the right thing.
But have you?
This question maybe is the right question…but maybe it’s also not a great question.
“How much…” implies that the one asking the question is seeking an amount to be the answer.
“…should I give?” implies that giving is an obligation that has to be taken care of.
To be sure, giving is something that God desires every person who professes faith in Jesus to do. However, he wants the motivation to be much different then simply a legality to be completed. Perhaps this interaction of Jesus with people giving an offering is instructive.
Mark 12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Jesus makes evident that in this setting the amount of the offering wasn’t the key thing. While he doesn’t condemn the rich people for giving larger gifts, he also commends the widow for giving two very small copper coins.
However the amount is important as it reflects the heart.
For those that had ample means to give large amounts, there maybe was a smaller “pain” point for those to give. Their gifts maybe wouldn’t alter their lifestyle or other financial obligations they had made. Their gifts, while large, did not take a large faith to give.
The widow on the other hand had a very small monetary gift. Some may dismiss it as inconsequential. However, the amount of her gift reflected a large pain point. Once she walked away from the offering coffer, she had no material means to buy her next meal. Her gift, while small, took a large amount of faith to give.
The widow was giving a gift out of trust that God would provide what was needed. The amount was a reflection of the trust she had in her Savior.
So back to the question, “How much should I give?”
Maybe the answer is this, “Whatever amount causes you to trust God’s promises more.”
What is that for you?
Apply: Prayerfully consider the question of this devotion…but most importantly consider the heart/faith issue attached to the amount you give.
Prayer: Lord, lead me to trust more so I freely give more. AMEN.
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