Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional “Closer to God” for Sunday, 16 November 2014 - Scripture: Mark 12:41-44

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional “Closer to God” for Sunday, 16 November 2014 - Scripture: Mark 12:41-44 Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.”
Paul wrote, “If I give all I possess to the poor . . . but do not have love,I gain nothing.”(1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV))
Recently we completed our church stewardship campaign. The program consisted of a series of messages, starting with the big picture of living for Christ. We then discussed how stewardship fits into a life that is pleasing to God, including the Bible’s guidance on managing money.
As stewardship chairperson, I set up a meeting with our pastor before the campaign began to discuss how we would determine the success of the campaign. I expected his response to be something along the lines of a 5% increase in total giving, or perhaps more people pledging this year than last. But when I asked the question, I was surprised at his answer. He said his view of success would be seeing people move closer to God. The more I reflected on his response, the more I realized he was right.
The widow in today’s story gave generously, and Jesus commended her for it. I honestly believe that God doesn’t care how much we give, but how we give — from the heart, joyfully, with a desire to move closer to God as an act of trust. If we are moving closer to God — in our worship, prayer, service, and witness — then our joyful, generous giving will follow as a natural expression of our thanks to God for all God gives to us.
The Author: John D. Bown (Minnesota, USA)
Thought for the Day: Generous giving expresses our thanks to God.
Prayer: O God, teach us to give joyfully so that we move ever closer to you. Amen.
Prayer focus: Stewardship committees
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