By Tyler Collins, February 9, 2024

“Give me five minutes with a person’s checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is.” – Billy Graham. As discussed in previous blog posts, money is like a mirror into an individual’s heart. The Scriptures tell us that where our treasure (money) is, our heart is also (Luke 12:34). The money trail is often a direct path to the condition of our heart. 

⁴¹ 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. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 

⁴³ 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. ⁴⁴ 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). 

Although the widow gave significantly less than others, Jesus honored and commended her because she was willing to give everything. Living in the Western world, we must be careful not to associate high dollar-value financial gifts with faithfulness. Jesus is not after a particular amount, but rather, He is after our hearts. Because this widow gave out of poverty, her gift revealed that her heart was willing to surrender all to God. Jesus says that He is the bread of life and the source of water that never runs dry. He also tells us to look to the example of birds of the air and see how He cares for them. Do we believe He will also care for us when we trust Him? 

As you read this and reflect on God’s words, the Spirit’s invitation asks how you want to surrender areas of your life that may be challenging for you to surrender.