Giving

"While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.

 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Luke 21:1-4 NLT)

I love this story.  There is so much theology and weight behind this simple story that Jesus recounts in Luke 21.  You have probably heard these verses before, in a church service, or a sermon on tithing, something like that.  I think that if all we get from this is that we need to give our money to the church, then we're missing the crux of the point.  This story is about stewardship.  Whether we have much or little, we must be compelled to give and to serve.  God calls us to so much more than the bare minimum, more than giving a "tiny part of our surplus".  I think the awkward thing for people in a relatively wealthy society is that we become inward focussed.  Spending all our time and energy building up wealth and pampering ourselves with often unnecessary conveniences.  I am guilty of this action, as are we all in one way or another.  I don't think God is calling all of us to give everything we have away (although this may be the case for some) but rather, we should give more than what's comfortable, or easy for us to give.  And this isn't just about money.  God has given each of us gifts and talents, and he asks us to give back to him in the same way we give money.  Not just with a little bit of effort, but with everything we have.  This can seem vague and confusing, and you're probably reading this thinking, "what does this look like for me?".  The answer is, Pray.  Ask God to reveal to you how you can give, or where you can serve, and I know the Holy Spirit will direct you.
  
Anyways, that's all I have for today.  Be encouraged, "you are blessed to be a blessing". (Cheezy catch phrase I know :) but so true)  - Jon.