You may be familiar with the story of the “widow’s mite” in the book of Mark. Some people would say she was foolish to put all she had in the offering. Some might say she stewarded her finances poorly. But I think she wanted to make the best use of her money.
She wasn’t looking at the immediate, but the future. She wanted to invest in something bigger than herself, bigger than the now. So she gave it all. And you know what? Jesus commended her. 2,000 years later this unknown widow is still inspiring people. I would say she got a pretty good bang for her buck… or more like a monumental return for her mite.
Scripture warns us to put our hope in God rather than money. In spite of all its promises of the good life, money will never satisfy us in the long run. Proverbs 23:5 says “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone” (NIV). So if our sense of security and contentment comes from those riches, they too “sprout wings.” And if we’re driven by our love for money, we risk plunging into all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 4:10). Then, friend, we lose everything.
God has given us all we have—resources, capabilities, opportunities. In our brief moment of stewardship, we can spend it exclusively on ourselves or use it for eternal investments. Make no mistake, heaven records every act of generosity, of kindness, of sacrifice. There should be no such thing as a stingy Christian.
Lord, I pray that no matter how much earthly treasure I have, that I give it back to You. Please lead me into some mite-y big investments for your Kingdom and your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Throughout this Day: Consider how you might be more generous. Put a little extra in the tip jar. Donate some clothing you no longer wear. Take some cookies to a friend. Don’t miss the opportunities God gives you.
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