Giving

Living in the Spirit
November 11, 2018

Scripture Reading: Mark 12:38-44

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’ –Mark 12:41-44

I was raised in a family that tithed according to the Old Testament tradition of setting aside 10% for the church. General budgeting benefits from setting aside projected amounts to assure that all needs are met as well as desired outcomes attained. On average, Christians give 2.5% of their income to churches. During the Great Depression, they gave 3.3%. (Nonprofit Source, 2018) People closer to a problem have a better understanding of the need.

I have come to an understanding of Jesus’ idea regarding budgeting dictates all our resources must be used in a manner that contributes to the furtherance of the Kingdom of God in our world today. I have yet to fully live up to that standard, but I do accept the challenge. Yes, I remain committed to giving a first offering to the church. I am also committed to seeing that my church uses its resources wisely.

In addition, I am working toward being far more conscious of how my spending habits impact others. Switching to total wind power or solar if your electric company offers it will reduce your carbon footprint. Buying Equal Exchange or other such program’s coffee and tea products in support of small farmers in the third world contributes to growing self-sufficiency in poverty-stricken areas. Investing savings in companies that care as much about ethical behavior as profit can help assure that employees are paid a living wage. This list could go on but the important thing to remember is being intentional about how we use our material resources as a part of our faith journey.

Prayer: Lord, open opportunities for better use of all my resources to your glory. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.