It is amazing how the human brain has this ability to recollect a memory from your childhood and yet sometimes I can not even remember if I have locked my car. What is even more amazing is when the Holy Spirit uses that memory to convict my heart and bring correction.
This morning, as I was streaming into our online service, I remembered the church I grew up in. A charismatic church based in the South of Johannesburg. The church was built to serve the community it was found in and had many faithful congregants from various backgrounds. As in most churches, the church ran on volunteers. Some who sang, some who ushered and some who served the children. One of those places to serve was to bring a bouquet of flowers that would be placed in the front of the church. (I am not entirely sure why, but my presumption would be to make the hall feel cozier and more hospitable). Granted that the last time I entered that church was about seventeen years ago, my memory is that every household had a turn to do this.
Shortly after remembering this – I remembered hearing many people snickering about someone’s bouquet of flowers. “Did you see what type of flowers she brought?” “How small was that bouquet?” “Why bring anything at all, if you’re going to bring that?” … I am fairly sure I was not supposed to hear these things – “Big people were talking” but these are the kinds of things I heard.
The Holy Spirit immediately reminded me that we should NEVER judge someone else’s offering to the Lord.
Jesus taught the disciples something similar in Mark 12 Vs. 41-44.
The Widow’s Offering
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.”
Jesus knew to look at the heart before the offering. He knew that this widow had offered everything she had.
So many times, in churches, I see people who are highly gifted or people who are wealthy be elevated and honoured. They are often pushed into positions of leadership or given a platform to speak. I am reminded that we as the church should not see things that the same way that the world sees things but rather, we should ask Jesus to show us how He sees people.
With that in mind remember God has placed something inside of you that can be used for His glory. Gifts and talents that we can bring as an offering to Him and His body but often we are too shy to bring out those gifts because of this culture that the church has [incorrectly] adopted. Ask Jesus to reveal how He sees you. He knows your struggle and sees your heart.
I believe that Jesus has called me to be a worshiper and to bring worship to places that need it. I believe that wholeheartedly and because of that – I have the boldness to present my offerings, my talents, my everything. Even if it costs me my dignity.
Much love,
Hayden Hayl’
Here is one of my favourite songs by Third Day;
“I stand before you at this altar so many have given you more
I may not have much I can offer yet what I have is truly yours”
Third Day – Offering
A Worship Diary 