This past week we talked about the poor widow who only gave two very small copper coins to the Temple treasury, and that in doing this she gave her all, not just monetarily, but spiritually too. There is a part of all of us that always wants to reserve at least a portion of everything that we have for ourselves. Whether it is our money, our talents, our spiritual gifts, or other resources, while we may be o.k. with giving some to God, we stop ourselves before reaching the ALL point.
As the widow’s story shows us though, God wants our all, however much that may be.
God is not concerned with the market value of our gifts, but only with the "me" value of our gifts. The focus is thus not on how much what we give is worth to others (two very small copper coins is worth nothing to the Temple), but on how much what we give is worth to us. The more valuable our gift is to us as we give it, the more valuable it is to God. Our sacrifice demonstrates the strength of our commitment. The more we give of ourselves, the more meaningful the gift.
If you have much, give ALL of what you have. If you have little, give ALL of what you have.
This week, we have a couple ways that you can begin your personal journey towards giving all.
Saturday we are spending a day helping set up the new Trinity Mission Store in Crawfordsville. Trinity needs help moving equipment and merchandise into the store and then stocking the shelves. We still need more help.
Also, we need adults to help with our children’s programs on Sunday morning. We have strong youth programs at Riverside, but they need dedicated volunteers to continue to succeed. Please consider donating your time to help Riverside in this way.
To find out more information about either of these opportunites, call the church office at 765.463.4600 or email me at dteefey@rcovenant.org.
Blessings
Pastor Dan