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She gave all she had... verse 44. Another example of a person with great faith. According to Jesus she gave all she had to live on. We don't know what happened to this woman, but I believe that God continued to take care of her. Our Pastor has been preaching and leading our Sunday School class in a series based on the book Soul Shift by Tricia Robertson. This past week we looked at the difference between consumerism and stewardship. I think we see that a little here. The wealthy people gave just a little by comparison to their wealth, while the widow was a true steward and gave all she had. God ask for not only our money, but our time and talents as well. Don't know if Pastor came up with this or it was part of the book but it's a great quote:
Anyone can wear a cross. Jesus said, "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me."
Blessings all!
The story of the widow who gave all she had has always been one of my favorites. I am reminded of it every time I put money in the plate, realizing that I am actually giving very little in comparison to some who give all they have.
ReplyDeleteI'm very intrigued by your mention of stewardship vs. consumerism. Consumerism is just a fancy way of saying, "We worship money and things." And, it is so much a part of our daily lives, we really have to make huge shifts in our attitudes to overcome the impulse to buy stuff. Think of all the money we waste on frivolous junk, even in our churches, when that money could be used to help people.
I was watching a DVD of a talk by Andy Stanley at Bible Study the other day. It was about worry. He said something that really stuck with me. He said, "Those things we worry about most are the things we are most devoted to." Eek.
Mark 12
ReplyDelete28b-31 “Which commandment is the most important of them all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Earthly things; death, law, taxes, will all pass away. God's Word will never pass away.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Love Him with all your heart ~ the source of your being ~, love Him with all your soul ~ your inner life ~, love Him with all your mind ~ put Him first in your mind ~ your thoughts ~, love Him with all your strength ~ what you put your effort into. When He is first in all of these, you will love yourself because you will be free from the holds of your past life that hinder ~ guilt, pain, sorrow ~ and freed to love others in the overflow of abundant love He has given to enable us to live as He desires for us.