Greater Givers

TEXT: MARK 12:35-44

Key verse: “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:44).

In recent years,  Bill  Gates  and Warren Buffett have been at the head of an unusual campaign. These two men who rank among the richest people in the world are pushing to get the  world’s  super-rich  to  donate  a good  part  of  their  wealth  to  tackle social,  political  and  economic challenges  in  the  world.  They themselves  have  given  and  are committed  to giving  more  through their foundations, in support of some worthy  projects  around  the  world.

Commendably, over 40 billionaires and multimillionaires have joined this mega-giving wagon. The big givers’ details can be found in the World’s Top Givers list which is reviewed annually.

Were such list to have been compiled at the time Christ was on earth, the name of the widow woman in today’s text would never have featured.  After warning the people about the ignorant and hypocritical Scribes, Christ watched as the people gave money into the  treasury.  The  rich  people  gave  out  of  their  abundance  and, perhaps, prided themselves as best givers. But Christ noticed this poor widow throw in two mites and adjudged her the best giver.

The greatness of her gift did not consist in the value of the money she gave, but in the sincerity and sacrifice that went with it. Others gave out of their surplus; she gave out of her poverty. Others gave normally; she gave out of faith for she gave all her living. Others gave from a sense of obligation; she gave out of love. Although it is not revealed what became of her, it is certain that, in addition to the eternal commendation she got from the Lord, she did not die of

hunger.

God is interested in our giving, especially towards the furtherance of  the  gospel  and  expansion  of  His  kingdom  on  earth.  In  this connection, we are expected to give our money, talent and time. The Lord still observes how we give (our motive and attitude) as well as how much we give in proportion to our means.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God measures the quality of our giving by how much we keep back.