OUR CONTRIBUTION

How important is our contribution to the Lord? What does our contribution say about us? More
importantly, how does God look upon our contribution and what does He say about us based on
what we give?
Some of us obviously feel that God will accept whatever we give Him. Israel once felt that way
and gave their worthless animals--the blind, torn, lame and sick. God was very displeased with them
and did not accept their offering (Mal. 1:6-14).
Others of us apparently feel that we can give a pittance from our abundance. When Israel did
this, God called them robbers (Mal. 3:8-10). David vowed he would not give anything to the Lord
that cost him nothing (2 Sam. 14:24).
All of us would vow that we love God with all our hearts and souls, but when we give to Him
begrudgingly, our contribution declares us to be liars. Love always gives the very best (John 3:16).
We all are blessed beyond measure, but when we fail to give liberally, sacrificially and joyfully
to the Lord, we rob ourselves of one of life’s greatest blessings (Acts 20:35).
Our usual “cop out” for not giving to the Lord is a plea of poverty. It is rather difficult to con-
vincingly plead poverty when we live in the lap of luxury. Poverty however does not excuse from
contributing to the Lord. Jesus praised a poor widow who gave less than a penny and said she gave
more than the rich who gave from their abundance because she gave sacrificially (Mark 12:41-44).
The Macedonians were in “deep poverty” yet they gave liberally and not only were praised for their
generosity, but were used as an example to motivate others to give. The key is “they first gave their
own selves to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:1-5).
Our contribution to the Lord reflects clearly our faith in Him, our love for Him and our dedica-
tion to Him. God accepts our gifts, regardless of size, when we give lovingly, willingly, joyfully and
sacrificially.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Parental love sees children not as problems, but as possibilities!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse