Dear Friends in Christ,
Dr. Davis Chappell
Several weeks ago a mother and daughter spoke to me after worship. The daughter seemed especially excited. The night before she had experienced her first babysitting job. And on this particular Sunday, she brought a tithe of her earnings to share with God. She was exuberant! God's grace was visible in her demeanor.
Her witness was a reminder to me that everyone has something to give. What matters to God is not the amount of the gift, but the sacrifice represented by the gift. A sacrifice is something we are willing to do without, so that something of greater significance can be realized. One day Jesus was in the temple treasury. He looked up and saw many people giving large gifts. Then he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He was deeply touched. He called his disciples over and said, 'This widow has made a great sacrifice today. Many of the others have contributed out of their abundance, but she (out of her poverty) has given her all!" Jesus saw within her gift an example of what he was about to do on the cross. He would give his all! Its about sacrifice. Last Sunday, as we were singing the doxology I watched the liturgists lift our gifts in praise to God. I glanced over and saw the choir loft full of students. I realized I was watching stewardship in action. Our gifts in God's hands becomes ministry, praise and mission. Praise God from whom all blessing flow!