Luke 21 -- The Proportion

Despite all of the fascinating things Jesus taught His disciples about the end times here, what really grabbed me this morning was what Jesus said in the first four verses of this chapter.  Rich people were putting their gifts into the Temple money box.  A poor widow (usually widows had no means of support aside from the charity of their families, if they had families) put two small copper coins in the box.  Knowing everything about her, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all those rich people.  They gave only what they did not need.  This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on.”

My commentary said, “The widow’s mite does not represent the least we can give, but the most, our very all … When it comes to our giving, God sees more than the portion; He also sees the proportion.  Men see what is given, but God sees what is left, and by that He measures the gift and the condition of our hearts.  Winston Churchill said, ‘ We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’”

God sees what is left AFTER we give.  He watches as we vote with our checkbook or debit card and I’m sure He tallies up how much of our resources we use for His kingdom and how much we use for self.  By our spending of what is left, we are voting for His agenda or for the world’s.

Father, please show me when there is an imbalance in how I spend the resources You provide me.  Stop me if I’m spending in any manner You don’t approve of.  Help me to be mindful if I’m being wasteful of Your resources, for they truly are all Yours.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford