By Ann Weaver.
Did you ever give money to the church when you were a child? Perhaps your dad let you drop his envelope into the offering plate as it went by, or maybe you put in a quarter that you’d found on the sidewalk. Though you may have been a little shy to put the money in, you were likely proud as well. I know I was. Dropping money in the plate was fun!
As we grow older, it can be harder to put in that money. Sometimes it’s because we’re selfish and don’t want to give anything to the Lord. Instead, we want to save it for some specific purchase we’re working towards. However, there are times when we don’t have any money, or perhaps we truly need it for something essential.
This may be especially true for those who have chosen to stay at home as a daughter in their father’s house. Though I am blessed enough to have some various small jobs, many girls do not have that opportunity and so do not have money to give. This can be discouraging and disappointing.
If this is a situation you find yourself in, I have some encouragement for you. First of all, remember that we can give a very small amount, and it still counts to the Lord if we give with the right heart. Remember the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4. Though she gave so little, it was with love and humility, and Jesus said that she gave more than everyone else because it was all she had.
Let’s also remember that money is not the only thing you can give to the Lord. You can give resources, time, and labor, to give a few examples. These things are just as valuable as money when you offer them ‘as unto the Lord’ (Colossians 3:23-24). As Hebrews 13:16 tells us, “And do not neglect to do good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Though you may not have a monetary gift, God will still be glorified and pleased by your gift to Him.
The most valued gift—probably even more than money—is time. Think about how you spend your time, then think of ways you could use your time to bless others. It doesn’t have to be a special time during the week when you go somewhere. Instead, you could do something at home for the benefit of others or take time to help out while you’re at church. Examples of this might be making a baby blanket for an expectant mother at church or assisting the women in the kitchen during a church meal. You can also spend time listening to someone who is struggling. Often, what they need more than money or any other tangible resources is a sympathetic listening ear.
You could also donate your resources, such as clothing or other items. Maybe you could give up something nonessential—such as coffee runs or excess books—and ask your parents to give the money you saved from that. If you're giving away items, be sure to give in the right attitude—don’t give away hand-me-down clothes just because they don’t fit and think that's enough. Truly give from your heart, and give your best, not just the things you no longer want.
Don’t shy away from menial tasks that can be done for God’s glory. Taking out the church trash, volunteering to help clean the church, or picking up communion cups after a service are all small, practical ways you could give your labor to the Lord. These types of tasks may be humbling and will often gain you no recognition, but you shouldn’t be aiming to get credit. Instead, you should be viewing these tasks as acts as giving your time and labor to the Lord. Whether anyone notices or not, God does.
Even the most physically helpless person can give to the Lord by praying. Honor, thanksgiving, and praise are less tangible but no less valuable ways to give to the Lord.
If you don’t have any specific ideas, pray and ask the Lord to help you think of some. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” The Lord will bring ideas into your head. As well, your parents may also have some thoughts. Perhaps there is a need you don’t know about where you can help others and give to the Lord in that way.
Keep in mind that another way to give non-monetary gifts is by ministering to family. It doesn’t always have to be friends and strangers that we help! Spending time helping siblings or doing household tasks can all be done for the Lord as well. In 1 Timothy 5:18 we’re told, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” That’s definitely a verse to keep in mind as we go about our daily life!
As we give to the Lord in whatever ways we can, 1 Corinthians 13:3 is an important verse to keep in mind: “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” We should give with a cheerful, ungrudging heart, as we’re told in 2 Corinthians 9:7 and Deuteronomy 15:10. If we give without joy and generosity, God is not pleased or glorified. We’re simply doing moral work rather than work for Him.
To fix this, we should keep our hearts and minds centered on why we’re doing these tasks and giving our money, time, resources, and labor: to please and glorify God. When we remember this, we can give with a cheerful, loving heart, and the Lord will be honored by every way we give to Him.
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