The Story of True Giving

Verses: Luke 21 : 1 -4

My thoughts about the verses:

People should give God their whole self.  Those that only give what they need are not truly giving. This story has made people think if Jesus meant that it is best to give away all of your money to the point of not being able to survive.  I really feel that it is more of a parable.  See God does not want us to suffer.  If you do not have the means to live then you are actually suffering.  Yet, what I believe  the story is about all the things that we should freely give.

Money is only part of what is needed to grow the Realm of Heaven.  It is not the only way to show your love to God.  There are many things that God gives us.  We have special talents that God wants us to share openly.  We should not hold back the gifts that God has given us.

Christians should not hold anything back from God.  We need to remember that God has given us our gifts so that others may find their way to the Savior.  Imagine if the person that first told you about Jesus did not share their story.  Imagine if that song that you heard that filled your spirit was never sung.

I can only imagine where my life would be right now if Rev Elder Troy Perry had not found UFMCC.  I know that I would have been lost on how to serve God.  I am not sure if I would ever found a way to openly reconnect with my Savior.  I honestly believe that my life would have continued on the downward spiral.  Even though I loved God I had no where to share my life.  I was told by many people that I was living against the will of God.  That I was sinning the unforgivable sin because I didn't believe I was actually sinning.

Yet, I felt that I still had a relationship with God from a distance.  Then I heard about Metropolitan Community Churches there is nothing like walking into a church and hearing about God's inclusive love.  I started crying that first day because I knew that I was safe and had find a home where I could be who I was.  There were several things that I took away that day.  God loved me unconditionally.  Jesus taught others to show love to everyone no matter who they were.  Lastly, I learned that God created me just the way I was.  That God created me in the Heavenly Parents image.  It didn't matter who I loved in this physical life.  The important thing was that I loved God.

I know that I am not the only person in this world that needed to hear about inclusive love.  Yet, for that story to be told someone had to use the gift that God had given them.  I know that people might say the Bible was twisted to apply to me.  Yet, I say if you study the history of the time and understand what was really going on you will learn that it isn't a twist.  Instead it is actually what God taught and that is the story of love.

So the next time you are called to give to God.  Give God more than your left overs.  Give God your whole self.  What you will find is that there is someone that needs your story.  They need to hear your testimony so that they can build their relationship with God.  You might not have tons of money, but all of us have time and talents that we can give to God.  It isn't just about giving back ten percent of what God has given to you.  It is about giving to God because you want to give as much as you can back.  God will take those gifts and turn them into just what they need.  When you hold back your share first then give to God you will find that your life is not as enriched as those that give to God first.

Prayer:

Thank you God for giving us talents that others need.  Thank you for the provisions that you provide us.  Open our hearts so that we give everything to you.  You will provide for us if we choose to serve you first.  Help us give so others can hear about the love that is exemplified in you. In the name of the Holy Parent we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Have you used your talents, gifts and time to serve God?  Do you pick and choose the things that you give to God?  Are you willing to give everything to God?  Is there someone that you need to thank for what they have done to help you in this life?  Have you thanked God for the sacrifice that was made on the cross?