Money and Motivation
by Diana Kabeizi
Motive behind our giving
And he looked up, and saw the rich man casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have their abundance cast in the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Luke 21:1-4
When I was a young girl, learning the ways of God I never really understood the meaning of that scripture. I took it literally so whenever I was going to give my offertory I would take the smallest money that I had. I have grown up and each day God teaches me, and I get deeper inspiration in His word. In 2 Corinthians 8:12 Paul teaches us “For if there be first willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath and, not according to that he hath not” This puts the story of the widow’s offering into perspective; what matters is the motive of genuine generosity, no matter how small we have, are we giving what we will not miss or giving freely from the abundance of our hearts? The Message bible puts it this way “….the heart regulates the hands“.
Jesus also warned us in Matthew 6:1-4 ” Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward……But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what they right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall himself shall reward thee openly.” This warning from Jesus reminds me of something that I was uncomfortable with; churches that usually have offertory/tithe envelopes with personal details on them. That meant I would have to write my name and the amount that I have given, which I wouldn’t do because I understood that as blowing one’s trumpets of sorts. The Lord taught me along the way not take that literally and I found out later that churches use that because of administration purposes like taxation (e.g in the UK, if you are a tax payer then the tax proportion goes to the church if it is registered as a charity).
Work and Money
Research has shown that for most people work is all about money, the wages, salary payment, bonuses, remuneration; come in form of money. Although the value of money for working cannot be underestimated, research also shows that money is not the only motivation for people to work. People value feedback, relationships and recognition for things that they do. Some people dedicate their time to doing things, professions, vocations where they will never be compensated but the satisfaction they get from doing what they love. Ultimately the bible teaches us in Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men” A friend of mine usually tells me to wear a ‘What Would Jesus Do’ (WWJD) attitude even when we are working, if our motivation is serving the Master at the end of it.
Always remember that you obedience and work will speak to people at your work place, school, business etc. Hebrews 6:10 “For the God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” So keep at it!!
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LOL for taking the scripture literally but God also rewards that so long as we are willing and obedient. Nice article thx for the tips