Value is a relative thing. In the recent history of Zimbabwe when inflation
was running rampant at zillions of per cent, it would take a barrow load of
cash to buy a loaf of bread.
Value is determined by its context. Jesus once told a story about a widow
who gave a very small offering. It wouldn’t have made much difference at
all to the overall temple budget. But that wasn’t the point. She gave. She
gave to God. She gave with love. And her giving represented significant
sacrifice – Jesus says she gave all she had to live on.
Her giving was an expression of trust. Trust in the provision and care of
her heavenly Father.
Others gave a lot more than she did, in monetary terms. Yet according to
Jesus they didn’t give as much as the widow, because they gave out of their
abundance. It didn’t really cost them anything. It didn’t leave them hungry
or poor or neglected. What’s more, they could feel proud of themselves for
their great generosity.
In the economy of God ten cents is worth a lot more than a million dollars
when it is an expression of love, a personal sacrifice and an expression of
trust in the provision of God.
Check out the passage in the first few verses of Luke 21.
I am challenged by such a love and generosity towards God. Are you?