Giving It All

Mark 12:41-44

41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

As a follower of Christ, we have to be willing to lay everything before him. This poor widow had probably suffered greatly, but it didn’t stop her from giving all she had. What a powerful testimony it was for this woman to give everything while the Pharisees were only giving what was expected and doing it for show.

We also see that this woman only had two small coins to give. While the others gave out of their wealth, she gave out of her poverty. In our culture today, we don’t think this way either. We might give the normal ten percent, but seldom count the cost of giving it all to the Lord. In essence, we should realize and be thankful that it all came from the Lord.

The issue here is simple; are we willing to give up ourselves, our wants, our needs, and our desires for the cause of Christ? I think a deep examination of our spiritual life can only answer that question. When we think about living for God, we should be thinking on every detail of our lives how we can make a difference for the Kingdom of God. We should be thinking of how our lives can make an impact wherever we go and whatever we say to give him glory. 

Dear Jesus, I pray that my heart will be completely yours. Use me, mold me, and fill me with your presence today. Help me to give all I have to make your name known around the world.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!