There’s a biblical injunction that says: ‘God looks inward and not the outward appearance of man’, a phrase many persons have used to justify their own personal and selfish interest; it has also culminated to the way we render thanksgiving to God. Just like the ‘Widows Might’, we have also switched the narrative to suit our agenda.
Does God see your heart? Does He know your true intention(s)? Don’t you think knowing what will happen at the end from the beginning is enough reason to fear God?
And so I ask: What’s the best gift you think you can offer God?
While you ponder on that, is your offering enough? Is it worthy to attract blessings from God? The Bible recorded in the Old Testament that ‘FAT’ offerings were used for sacrifices, burnt offerings, the finest of the produce, the finest of the herds, the best of the clothes, and the biggest of the cows; but, is it a coincidence that we can’t relate it to the present time?
On a more realistic note: WILL THAT YOUR LAST OFFERING ATTRACT BLESSINGS FROM GOD?
Since the only definition of sacrifice we make is through our offerings, majorly in monetary value, Is it right for children to give the smallest offering? Growing up as children, we were given the smallest offering, maybe because we were still small, but is it a norm that your child should have the smallest offering from the rest of the family?
You should train up a child in the way he should go, and when he grows old, he will not depart from it [Proverbs 22:6 KJV]. Mentality builds, the smaller offering you give to that child while growing up, the little or nothing he’ll give as an adult.
It is also understandable if you have little or none to offer but here’s an eye opener: take a cue from the story of the widow of Zerephat, had just a bowl of meal for she and her son, that same portion she fed to Prophet Elijah, and we know how the story ended, she experienced an overflow; from having little to plenty. [1 Kings 17:7-16 NIV]
Personality differs, yes, but there are persons who have much but decide to give little. On the other hand, there’s another who will rather settle for the lowest currency value they have at hand, if they don’t find the change equivalent of the currency they’re holding. It all boils down to your true intentions, why am I giving?
WHAT ABOUT YOUR OFFERING IN KIND? Is it worthy to be sacrificed before the altar of God? These days people offer dying birds, rotten tubers, spoilt fruits and washed linens and other low quality items to the altar. All this on the premise, that God does not come down to eat the offerings but rather looks at the heart of the giver. Is it worth a palatable reward?
HAVE YOU GIVEN A CHALLENGING OFFERING? One that took you time to bring, one that pained you when you offered it, one that stripped you off all you had, believing God for a miracle to happen. An offering of test - to force the hands of God? Have you?
While you’re on that, also know that according to 2 Corinthians 9:7 [ESV], “Each man must give as he has decided in his heart not reluctantly or under compulsion, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER”. The magnanimity and the state of your heart while giving is very important, and it is an aspect many persons fail to take cognizance of.
The story of Cain and Abel is an indication that God is interested in both the offering and the heart of the giver. [Genesis 4:1-17]. You can refer to the story of Cain and Abel, whose offering was accepted?
Remember, sacrifice to God does not only come in handy or materially, our personal sacrifice remains paramount; A sacrifice of Praise, with a clean heart, is found worthy before the Lord. Remember, the Lord inhabits the praise of his people [Psalms 22:3]