What is my offering?
When I went to Africa on a short-term mission (many years ago) the one quality of the Kenyans I was most impressed with was generosity. I became friends with a young Maasai woman named Rose and we would take walks in the village, or go to her small house for tea. Whenever we would go for a walk, someone would invite us in for tea. Guests were always served the best and the most – meat, vegetables, drinks. The host would refrain from eating until the guest was satisfied. Out of the little they had, they gave generously.
I was reminded of this generous spirit in our recent trip to India. Our team of 6 came from America – we are all pretty well off, but we were showered with gifts by those with limited resources. Upon our arrival, we were driven to a house church in Mumbai. Not only were we adorned with flower garlands reaching to the floor, but the pastor and his wife also gave us gifts. I so wish we had brought something to give to them! Now I know for the future. Somehow I was unprepared for the extreme welcome and generosity.
These experiences, and others like them, remind me of the parable in the book of Luke about the widow’s offering:
The Widow’s Offering
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 few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, 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.” Luke 12:41-44
One woman gave very little, only two coins. But that was all she had. She gave all she could out of her scarcity. We who have been blessed abundantly may give more money, but it’s a small percentage of our wealth. My respect for Pastor Rick Warren grew immensely when I heard him speak about his book, The Purpose Driven Life, and how he gives all the proceeds to charity. He and his wife are seeking to practice the principle of a graduated tithe–give more than 10% every year, and keep increasing the percentage of income given to charity.
We know all we have is from God. So how do we view the possessions and assets He has given us? After all, we are just caretakers. I am slowly learning from my brothers and sisters in India and Africa to be more generous and hold on lightly to physical assets. Let’s strive to be more like the widow.
My prayer for my own heart is to be more generous with the gifts God has given me. Good DEVO today!
Thank you for the reminder to be generous with what God has given us.
Thanks, Laurie and Iris.