Have you ever heard of Spare Change for Change? It’s a program that the city of Pasadena rolled out to help combat homelessness. It works like this. As you’re walking through Old Town, if you pass a special parking meter, you can donate whatever change you have – a few pennies, maybe a couple of quarters. The philosophy is that they can use anything.
That thinking reminded me of the story in the Bible. Do you remember when the disciples believed that the Pharisee who donated more money was holier than the widow who only was able to give a little? Jesus reminded them that it wasn’t how much each person gave, but instead it was what was in their heart that really counted.
We know that God looks past the external and sees into each of our hearts. When we put our trust wholly in him, he can accomplish incredible things! He is glorified by those who act out of their wholehearted trust in him. It is his strength and faithfulness that makes these victories possible.
Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Christ tells his followers, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
No matter how large or how small our contribution is, we can all participate in the work that Christ is doing. And no matter how tiny our faith, Christ will be there as we work alongside of him, strengthening us as we join with him. For it is not the amount or intensity of our faith, but the object of our faith—who we put our faith in—that makes all the difference.
I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.