Mark 12:41-44 -And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the multitude were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." NASB
There have been rich and poor people worshipping God for a really long time. We can go back to Abraham and see he was very wealthy and he worshipped God. King David was likewise very wealthy and he worshipped God. I can say this and please don't think I am bragging, but I am a very wealthy person. I have travelled to many foreign countries, I have seen the living conditions of hundreds of thousands of people and their houses can't be compared to mine. I have electricity, lights, running water, a bed, a shower, a tub, a toilet, a stove, a microwave and all of these inside my house and I could continue to add to this list. I have a front door that locks so robbers and wild animals can't enter. I believe my travels have helped me to be thankful to God. I am a giver but I must confess I give out of my abundance or surplus to God.
The closest I came to this example was in 1976 when I went to a little country church to preach my very first sermon. My wife asked me that morning if I thought they would pay me. I told her I really didn't know. She said, "We only have 11 cents to our names." I preached that morning and was given a check for $35.00. I informed the elder I could not accept money for that message. I signed the back of the check and gave it back to him. I believe God was watching and He said, "Oh no, no one out gives me. The Boilermakers Union hall called me back to work the very next week and my first paycheck was for over $350 after taxes. I remember looking at that check and then looking up to heaven and saying thanks and no one can out give God.
I really believe the most important thing for us to remember when we give is this: 2 Corin. 9:7 - Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. When we give we need to have the right attitude. We need to give cheerfully. Whether you give from your abundance or you give from your poverty do so with a cheerful attitude. Think About This: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Stay Pumped, Gary A. Serago Minister of God's Word
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