“Less” Absolutely Can Be “More” (And Many Times IS)

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41‭-‬44 NLT

This “Kingdom Principal” as demonstrated in this story contrasts the way of the world with God’s perfect “The Way”.

In the world’s way, the rich will make a great show and honor people who donate large sums to sort their organizations — because it is focused on the tangible money.

But in “The Kingdom of God” it is about spiritual principals and the manifestation of the gifts of God’s Holy Spirit. If a billionaire gives tens of thousands of dollars out of his surplus to a cause, it is not sacrificial — and might even be in order to gain a tax advantage or receive praise and honor from other people for his contributions. But a poor person giving their last few dollars may not look like much from the world’s perspective of finance and power — while it may be a powerful, spiritual demonstration of faith and genuine worship.

I love hearing very talented singers praise God. But they might be worshiping out of the surplus of their talent, just like the rich people in the scripture account do with their money. I can get more excited spiritually and in my heart when I hear someone “less talented” that is unashamed and unafraid in their genuine worship of God where they have clearly given it their all. Some of my favorite people to have join my worship collaborations on Smule are several singers who have Downs Syndrome, who the world might not value as “singers”. But I am so very humbled and encouraged by their genuine and fully surrendered worship.

There are so many areas of our lives that we could look at this way that aren’t just money and singing.

What do our lives look like in the light of these “Kingdom Principals” and not just when measured by the yardstick of morality, dogma, and human judgement?

What do our hearts truly look like in the light of heaven’s view on our “contributions”?

Thank you Lord that the point of this is not our shame, but our repentance and our sanctification. Help our eyes to see from an all important spiritual view of your Kingdom at work on earth even as it is in heaven. Amen.