She gave Everything!

Mark 12:41-44

The Widow’s Offering

41 rAnd he sat down opposite sthe treasury and watched the people tputting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two usmall copper coins, which make a penny.6 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, vthis poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her wpoverty has put in everything she had, all xshe had to live on.”

This passage doesn't say that the rich people did not give generously. Its focus is about the poor widow and how she gave everything she had. I am guessing she had to trust God for her food that week. She had to continue to suffer the reproach of the society she lived in as she was a widow. She had to find something to give the next time for the next offering.  Life didn't stop right there for the poor widow, and everything afterwards was wonderful!

I, many times, think one good deed/word/donation, is all that is asked at that moment and move on. I have my to do lists, my calendar, my agenda!  Did you notice the use of the pronoun "my" there!  MY focus is on myself...not God!  

I like to accomplish tasks. God made me this way!  So, He knows I like to check things off my list. I know He doesn't dislike that trait or He wouldn't have given it to me. He wants me to use it. However, it should never take precedence over God!!!  So, once again, I am relearning that I need to focus on God, not the lists. Oh sure, the lists will be part of that focus, but the key is to keep them in perspective as part of the focus, not THE focus.  God is THE focus!  He is a jealous God!  

Father, please help me to focus on you; to use all of the abilities/skills you have given me for your glory. Please help my family members and friends to focus on you more and more every day! Amen.