Often when we think of Christian love and charity, we think big: mission trips, feeding centers, large sums of money. We think of our local tithes and offerings. We think of the parable of the Widow’s Mite. I have found myself thinking of her a lot lately. I think of how in her poverty, she gave all that she had. I think of how her humble heart caught the eye of the Master. I think of how He praised her. I’ve been contemplating the principles of Godly Giving and whether or not I measure up to His expectations.
While studying I noticed that God expects us to be joyful as well as generous in our giving. I also realized that giving all I have is not just about money. God expects more of me than just my envelope in the offering plate. While I am obedient in my finances, I’m not sure that my giving has honored Him the way that Widow’s Mite did.
I want to honor Him so badly- to catch His eye. I want to make Him proud. I want to give ALL. What a lofty goal. So daunting, really. Is it even attainable? Can I really give Him ALL? As I shifted my focus from money, I saw so many other opportunities.
I can smile more, not just when I’m happy. I can smile at the cashier when I’m held up in line because she’s changing the tape roll and taking forever. I can smile at the driver who takes my turn at the stop sign. I can smile at my son when he’s struggling to do a big boy job all by himself when I could do it so much faster. (I can even smile at these rowdy teenagers who are distracting me while I write this post utilizing free Wi Fi at McDonald’s. )
In my routine shopping, I can get a few “extras” for others. I can pick up some extra can goods at the grocery store for the local food bank. I can pick up an extra pack of diapers & wipes for the women’s shelter. I can take a book of stamps and some paper to the alcohol & drug treatment center. I can take my old magazines to the nursing home.
I can make (and give Him) better choices. When challenged I can choose mercy. I can choose forgiveness. I can choose patience. I can choose kindness. I can listen patiently as if for the first time when my grandmother repeats the same story for the 100th time. I can be sweet instead of sarcastic when my husband forgets that it’s date night and volunteers to work a later shift. I can choose peace instead of arguing my point when a neighbor oversteps her bounds.
I’m learning that giving all I have is so much simpler than I thought. It’s so much broader than I imagined. If I choose a positive perspective about it, I can even have fun looking for opportunities to give more, to do more, to truly serve Him in my everyday life. I can give myself, my heart, my obedience as well as my money.
