e-vo for week of November 7

Dearest e-votees-

I have been struck recently by the great excess of wealth that some in our culture have. Donald Trump offered $5 million to the charity of President Obama’s choice if Mr. Obama would produce copies of his birth certificate, passport and associated records. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, in response offered $1 million to the charity of Donald Trump’s choice if Mr. Trump would shave his head. It seems that some people have way too much in the way of disposable income.

So many of us have so very much more than we need. We may seem strapped with the current economy but the truth is we still manage to get by with a roof over our heads, food on the table and some money on the side for discretionary spending. We have so much more than the vast majority of the residents of this world.

It is stunning, humbling and instructive to draw near to a woman in scripture who has so very little but is willing to give it freely to God. What do you suppose motivates her to be so generous and reckless with that which God has given her?

Peace,
Karl

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38 As [Jesus] taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." 41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Mark 12:38-44, NRSV

Mr. Trump’s and Mr. Cuban’s offers were for the sake of appearances. They are akin to those who say long prayers that others might notice. They are akin to folks who make generous donations with the hope of having their name and their generosity well regarded. They are, at the very least, misguided.

What motivates us to give to God? That is really the crux of the matter. Are we giving to curry favor with God? – won’t happen. There is nothing we can do, financially or otherwise, that can make God love us more. Are we giving to curry favor with those who count and watch and compare? – might happen but it is neither good nor healthy. Our gifts – be they prayer or currency or anything else – are really meant to be between us and God. If we give for the sake of the reward of being well-regarded or outgiving others or somehow meriting God’s best attentions we will be sorely disappointed.

It may be the case that we are called on to pray before others. It may be the case that others ask us about our stewardship practices. It may be that others inquire about the things that are between us and God. It can be good and fruitful to engage others and share we just need to be diligent in keeping our motivations in check. Sometimes we learn best how to pray by being around others familiar with the ways of prayer. Sometimes we learn best about how to give by being around those who live in ways that demonstrate sacrificial giving. Imagine if Jesus and the disciples hadn’t been watching the woman giving everything she had into the treasury. God may want to use us as examples in the lives of others.

Things aren’t always as they appear. Those who seem to be contributing and participating in the most cursory fashions may be the most faithful givers of all. Our job isn’t to worry about if others are watching us or not. Our task is to contribute and participate as fully as possible in the work that God has put before us and our community. As we focus in that direction we need not fret about the greater condemnation.


God, help us not be motivated by appearances but rather by your deep, abiding, saving love for us. Stir us to bless others for your name’s sake with our gifts and offerings. Help us never turn our focus from you and the work that you have put before us. Amen.