Two Cents Worth

I haven't heard the phrase in a while but we used to talk about "putting in our two cents worth," as we added to a discussion or finding an answer.  The back drop of putting in our two cents actually goes back into the time of Jesus on earth when he observed the rich giving large sums into the Temple treasury and then noticed that "a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins" (Mk 12:42).

His assessment of her gift was counterintuitive to the cultural norms of the day and our day as well.  Instead of noting how little she had to give, he pointed out the depth of her giving saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything---all she had to live on" (vv. 43-44).

The widow put in her two cents worth but it was the best, the most, the full extent of what she had to offer.  She didn't hold back anything in reserve, she gave her all.  Jesus, thereby, set a standard of giving that was measured not by the amount one gives but the percentage one gives.  Rather than weigh one's gift on a scale, he weighs it proportion to one's heart.

If one gives a great amount but the gift reflects only a perfunctory level of giving to the individual as it was hardly noticed and the gift meant very little to the individual, it means very little to God.  If, on the other hand, one gives a small amount but that gift represents a heartfelt desire to participate and the amount of the gift is meaningful to the individual, the gift means a lot to God.

It isn't how much you give, it's how you give.  Do you give the leftovers coming from a level of concern that barely registers on matters of the heart.  Or, do you give without regard to what you might have leftover coming from the core of the concern of your heart?

The apostle Paul marvels at this level of giving from the Macedonian Christians: "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us." (2 Cor 8:1-5).

Here's the question I'd like you to reflect upon: Does that sound familiar or fanatical to you?  Do you aspire to give from this level of heart or does the thought give you heart burn?  Are you willing to give your all to Jesus or is the amount you've been offering all you're willing to give?  What is your two cents worth?  Jus' Ask'n.