My Gift Matters

On Sunday I was happy to teach children’s church. The topic was, My Gift Matters. The main scripture for the lesson was 2 Corinthians 8:12 as follows:

Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. New Living Translation Bible

Because I have read the bible over and over again, I will just say it, I can get a little arrogant and not see the message in it. Sometimes I think the children’s church lessons are just that, for the kids. As I have prayed for a more watchful spirit I am learning to see a lesson for myself in everything. I felt the topic of giving would be easy to teach. I read the lesson many times. I kept meditating on 2 Corinthians 8:12 and my own personal situation.

I thought about an easy organizing day in September-- I cleaned out my accordion coupon file and found $20 in the back file. That was $20 less money used to buy food or items we needed around the house. I didn’t miss it.

For many years I have used the resources of this church. It’s not in the Metro/DC area. It’s not my home church either. Since October I felt led to give, monetarily, to this ministry who I have received sound teaching from for many years. I know that this ministry helps all people from every walk of life and all over the world.

What’s a stay-at-home mom to do (after all, I am not generating an income)? When this came to me about giving to this ministry I felt defensive. I questioned the thought. I am not working. I am on a very limited fixed income. The money I receive is to support my family. Even if I gave, which would be very little, how can my gift support such a large ministry as this? Who would receive my offering and laugh at the amount I sent?

I was lead to read other scriptures aside from 2 Corinthians 8:12. I know that God owns everything in the world (Psalm 24:1) and that he loves a gift from someone who is happy to give it and not because they are pressured to do so or emotional (2 Corinthians 9:7).

As I thought about 2 Corinthians 8:12 I knew that this lesson was not only for the children but for me too. My gift is okay with God if I truly have a heart to give it-- if I myself am okay with it. It’s a personal gift to give. Don’t give to people-please, give according to what I already have. I am learning that most of the bondage that I have is created by the way I think. As I meditated about 2 Corinthians 8:12 I was encouraged and happy to give. For the first time in many years I was happy to give to the ministry.