is somebody watching your giving

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the

crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.   ⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”  Mark 12

Jesus is a teacher, preacher, healer, and savior. He leads his disciples, performs miracles, walks on water, and eats with sinners.  In this story, Jesus is sitting down “watching” people.  The Word became flesh is sitting down watching people.

Specifically Jesus is watching people give their offering at the temple.  How does that make you feel?  You see in reality he is watching our giving every Sunday or any other day of the week.  What’s going on in your mind when you give your offering?  Would you change anything in the way you give if you felt like Jesus was sitting next to you?  He is watching.

Don’t think that you will impress Jesus with the amount of your giving.  The rich people giving large amounts did not make Jesus think more highly of them.  The widow only gave two copper coins. It is not possible to everything that you have every week.  So how do you determine how much to give in offering?

1.      It is just a good practice to give at least 10 percent of your income on a regular basis to your local church.  It provides help for all aspects of your church ministry…buildings, staff and ministry.  This giving is a constant reminder that God owns all that you have and you are just being a good steward of His money.

2.     Offerings are monies given above the tithe.  This would include special offerings for missionaries, guest speakers, and special church projects.   You may also give toward other ministries believe in, such as Compassion, Samaritan’s Purse or Christian Radio.

3.    Finally practice the open hand mentality.  All that you have is God’s and at times He gives opportunities to bless others in need.  Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Prov. 19:17.  There will be opportunity to give to people in need.  It could be a coworker, neighbor, or a random person in the grocery store.  At this point Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. 

Jesus is watching your giving.  He also knows your need.  Take some time to talk with him about both your need and your giving.  He cares about your needs and is ready to let you know what He saw while watching you.