Total Commitment

Mark 12:43-44

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. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

A chicken and a pig were walking down a road together when they saw a sign in front of a building that said, “Annual Fundraiser Ham and Egg Breakfast.” The chicken said to the pig, “Hey, that’s right up our alley. Why don’t we go in and help out?”

To which the pig replied, “That’s easy for you to say. For you it’s just a contribution. For me we’re talking total commitment.”

As Jesus was watching the crowds in the Temple one day he noticed a rich man put a large donation into one of the large brass shofars mounted on the wall. Large coins would rattle their way down, the more coins, the louder and longer the noise. The rich people loved to make the shofars ring loudly! It was a way of showing off their wealth.

Then along came a widow woman. As Jesus watched, she reached into her bag and pulled a single, solitary coin. And not a big coin, it was barely worth a penny. It was all she had, and she gave it to God.

I’m sure the disciples were stunned to find out that Jesus was more impressed with her small donation than the ones the rich people gave. They gave to God out of their abundance, she gave all she had.

What are you doing with the gifts that God has given you? Where are you supporting your local church with your time and talent? Think of how much ministry your church could do if you gave sacrificially of your time for service instead of just showing up on Sunday? God is not looking for donations, he wants total commitment.

Today’s Readings:  Deuteronomy 1,2; Mark 12

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