A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 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.” Mark 12:42-44
In an attempt to get more familiar with our new surroundings, Marie and I ventured out to a diner that we hadn’t tried yet. As we walked in, I noticed a young man serving as a busboy. It only took a fraction of a second to recognize that he was both physically and mentally challenged. Some might conclude that he had little to offer, yet here he was providing a service for the restaurant and its patrons. During our meal, I also observed that despite his challenges, he appeared to communicate a kind heart as he interacted with a few of the customers as they came in or left. Whether it is due to self-perception, physical handicap, chronic illness, or some other limitation or trial, many of us often feel as though we have little value and little to offer because our resources are lacking in some form or fashion. As the passage above indicates, God is more concerned about what we do with our resources rather than how grand they are. In that regard, consider how expectations, assumptions, and actions relate to our offerings to God and man.
“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.” Matthew 25:14-15
Sadly, the expectations placed upon us are often determined by social norms that are primarily based on statistical averages and societal whims without considering the vast array of God ordained gifts, wealth, wisdom, life experiences, opportunities, health conditions, physical limitations, etc. Therefore, the value of our offerings and our status in society is often measured based on how well we meet those expectations and how we compare to those around us. Thankfully, that is not how our Heavenly Father evaluates our offerings. We were each created with specific abilities and provided life experiences to develop those talents and gain wisdom. Like the master in the parable of the talents, God gives each of us resources and opportunities based our unique qualifications. His expectation is that we will obediently give and serve faithfully based on our individual ability. His principal concern is not with how grand our offerings are (whether in service or assets) or how they are evaluated by men, but rather, He is concerned with our heart and soul. In other words, He is most concerned that our offerings reflect a faithful and loving nature that seeks to obey and serve our Lord and His kingdom. Christ favored the widow’s tiny offering because it showed that she was willing to give all that she had to God; she had a faithful heart.
But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.” Acts 2:13
Acts 2 describes the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Christians gathered together. While many were trying to understand what was happening, there were some who mocked the apostles assuming that they were drunk. That’s the problem with assumptions; they can be very wrong and lead to erroneous evaluations or judgements because they lack complete understanding. The same is often true of our offerings. It is a two-sided problem especially when our challenges are not readily identifiable. Whether in general society or within the body of Christ we are each expected to “pull our own weight” and contribute as deemed appropriate by those around us. For many of us, it is an unreasonable demand made with the assumption that we are able. On the other hand, in an effort to appear “normal”, those of us with challenges prefer not to disclose our struggles and, thereby, withhold information that would hopefully cause others to amend their expectations for us. For example, I prefer to not have to explain my health concerns unless there is a useful reason. As a result, when asked what I do, I will often say that I am retired. Regularly, the other party’s response is something to the effect that I’m lucky because they assume that my status is due to choice and financial security. Further, it sets up an expectation that I can and should offer my services to social or church needs put before me as it is assumed that I have the time and physical ability. In this case, my appearance and lack of disclosure lead to misunderstanding. Consequently, we should never make assumptions about those around us when they fail to meet our expectations. Further, those of us with significant limitations should disclose them as is necessary. Communication and understanding work together to unite the body of Christ and allow us to live in greater harmony. While we cannot control what other humans think about us or how they act toward us, we can be comforted by remembering that God knows our limitations and does not expect more that we can offer. As we receive His graceful understanding, we must also extend grace to those who just do not understand our circumstances.
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’”
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’” Matthew 25:24-29
The problem with the third slave in the parable of the talents is that there was no action. He knew that there was an expectation and he did nothing. There appear to be two problems here…the same two that we often have. The first is fear. From the response of the slave we see fear of failure. He feared losing the talent so he buried it to protect from loss. The second is presented in the master’s response: laziness. Scripture teaches us the perfect love casts out fear. While this is presented in light of our sin, it is also true of our offerings as is reflected by Christ’s response to the widow’s offering. Christ looked on her in love and did not reject her gift, but rather praised her for giving what she had without regard to her personal sacrifice. Fear of failure and the fear that others may view our offerings as poor or insufficient is not a reason to withhold our offerings regardless of their nature. God loves us and knows our limitations so we must draw near to Him to overcome our fears. Laziness can be more difficult for those of us with chronic illness to sort out. I certainly I have that problem as my body requires pacing and rest, but I don’t want my need for rest to become an excuse for laziness. That’s were discernment and the aid of those close to us enters the picture. God will not call us to do more than we are able through His strength. Therefore, walking closely with God in scripture and prayer allows us to discern what He is truly asking of us so that we can act accordingly. Further, there are those close to us that can guide us. For a time, I would volunteer in the kitchen for our church’s summer camp and weekend retreats. Those in charge would monitor my activity and force me to take breaks knowing that my natural bent was to work to the extent that I was at risk for a bout of extreme fatigue or a seizure (both of which had happened). However, I never have considered not volunteering to be an option when I felt God’s call to help. Another, challenge not mentioned is when we just feel overwhelmed. Whether we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances or the needs around us, we are still called to offer what we can. We do this by addressing one issue at a time as we are able. Despite the limitations we may face, choosing not to act just isn’t an option. We are serving our Creator and King and He will help us when we faithfully serve Him.
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38
We’ve been to the diner twice and on both occasions noticed several handicapped individuals eating there. I don’t know whether the diner actively seeks to help those in need or merely attracts the disabled by its easy access. Either way the staff is certainly kind and sensitive to those who face physical challenges in their lives and thereby demonstrates a heart of compassion. It is an encouragement to see a business run this way in a culture that is often selfish.
Whether grand or meager, our offerings may be financial, tangible assets, acts of mercy or service, a prayer, or a word of encouragement to another. No matter what type, they all allow us to be vessels of God’s mercy to the body of Christ as well as those who do not yet know Christ as their savior. We do not give for what we will receive whether it be praise or spiritual rewards in Heaven, but rather in loving obedience to our Lord and Savior. As we have this mindset, God promises that we will be blessed and provided for as well. In truth, when we willingly give what we have to the best of our ability, God will never deem our offerings as poor or inadequate.