These days I find myself regularly thinking about the “widows mite” … you know, the time when Jesus and his disciples watched as the offering was made at the temple. There were those that threw in large amounts of money, while a widow came and put in two mites (the equivalent of half a penny). Jesus was so impressed that he called his disciples to him and pointed out to them that this widow had put more into the offering than all the others.

I used to think about this as a percentage thing: they might have thrown in £100 but had a spare £500 that month – so they were giving a noble 20%. But still, they had £400 free spending cash after all the bills were paid. This widow only had half a penny and she gave 100%.

While this is a true and valid point, I have found myself reflecting on another matter. This widow was living for the audience of One. When everyone around her was looking like they were doing so much, how did she have the motivation to look past the derogatory looks and the murmurs of “what’s the point?” (Prosperity in that culture was often seen as proof of God’s favour, and poverty that you had sinned.)

She didn’t care what anyone else thought about her meagre offering, or what they thought of her as a person. She was taking it to God to tell him she loved him with all her heart. She had a desire to bring her offering because, despite her situation, she recognised God’s love for her and wanted to say “thank you” for his companionship and comfort. It reminds me of Paul’s comments to the Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 8:4-5  Begging us … that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we expected, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

They first gave their own selves to the Lord. It doesn’t matter what you put in the offering if you have not done this. And then once you have done this it also does’t matter what you put in the offering – the point is give yourself!

Jesus made a profound statement about faith when he said to the Jews, “How can you believe, who receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only?” A great way to become more intimate with the Lord, and to get rid of doubt, is to start to practice living “for his eyes only”. This was the widows secret.