Luke 21:1-4 NIV
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
One of my least favorite things that happens within congregations is the public recognition of designated gifts to the congregation. It occurs very rarely at Zion. The gifting occurs, for sure; but, we don't normally publically lift up a person(s) who gives large gifts. The last large gift that was recognized happened years ago at the dedication of the addition to the church building; which included a library, office, three Sunday School rooms, and an elevator. The addition was a gift from someone who had never even attended Worship at Zion. The giver of this very large donation desired to remain anonymous. But, as he wished, we recognized God who gave this tremendous gift through him. We thanked God for the gift and for him, whom He used to give the congregation this gift.
The reason we don't normally recognize gifts or givers publically can be found in the parable of the widow's mite. First off, we are a small congregation and simply don't have the resources (time, energy, talent) to be able to track and recognize all of the gifts, both big and small. And... big and small is where the real problem comes in. Does there have to be a specific amount for the gift to be recognized? What about the person who gives less; but, their less is more? What about the one who gives a dollar or two; yet, they will be fasting in order to give that gift? Do we ignore their gift? Are we not thankful for every copper coin that is given for God's mission and His glory?
It is good to give; but, we should give to the glory of God and not ourselves.
God's Peace - Pr. J
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
One of my least favorite things that happens within congregations is the public recognition of designated gifts to the congregation. It occurs very rarely at Zion. The gifting occurs, for sure; but, we don't normally publically lift up a person(s) who gives large gifts. The last large gift that was recognized happened years ago at the dedication of the addition to the church building; which included a library, office, three Sunday School rooms, and an elevator. The addition was a gift from someone who had never even attended Worship at Zion. The giver of this very large donation desired to remain anonymous. But, as he wished, we recognized God who gave this tremendous gift through him. We thanked God for the gift and for him, whom He used to give the congregation this gift.
The reason we don't normally recognize gifts or givers publically can be found in the parable of the widow's mite. First off, we are a small congregation and simply don't have the resources (time, energy, talent) to be able to track and recognize all of the gifts, both big and small. And... big and small is where the real problem comes in. Does there have to be a specific amount for the gift to be recognized? What about the person who gives less; but, their less is more? What about the one who gives a dollar or two; yet, they will be fasting in order to give that gift? Do we ignore their gift? Are we not thankful for every copper coin that is given for God's mission and His glory?
It is good to give; but, we should give to the glory of God and not ourselves.
God's Peace - Pr. J