I’m convinced that our God is a God of percentages. Let me try to explain... There are certain unique attributes that separate one person from another here on earth. Some of us have more time, money, skills, or charisma than others which can be use in service to the cause of Christ. But I think it is less about how much we have, or give, and more about what percentage we use for him. For example, if you’ve been blessed with an amazing ability to serve the Lord because of where you were born, your loving upbringing, and your God-given ability to speak well; and I was born with a mental disability, an oppressive upbringing in a low rent neighborhood, with a speech impediment; that God may not expect the same from me as he does from you. So, because of your blessed ability, if God allowed you to win 1000 souls for the kingdom and me to win only 10, that our contribution might just be equal in God’s eyes. Check out what it says in Luke 12:1-4
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'I tell you the truth,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'”
In this portion of scripture Jesus is saying that even though the widow only gave 2 copper coins, she gave 100% of what she had. And while the others gave a much greater amount, it may have only been 5% of what they owned. So, it is more about the percentage than the amount. Jesus said that she put in more than the others. Think of the parable of the talents. Why did one person get 5 to start off with, another 2 and another 1? Why not all of the same? And when the one with 5 doubled it, he was treated much the same as the person who doubled his 2. I believe that with God, no matter what you start with, the percentage of what you give, or earn, is more important than how much you give, or earn. Make sense? Anyway, that’s what I think the bible is revealing.
---
The story of the widow’s offering proves that God cares more about the percentage than the amount of what we give to him. Which is one reason I believe the tithe is tallied at 10 percent of what we bring in and not a set dollar amount. But I don’t believe that this is only in reference to money. I think it applies to anything we do in his name. The bible reminds us that God wants all of us, not just a portion of us. And as we serve him, I believe that he looks at what percentage of ourselves we give more than the amount of what we give. So, if you’re seeing others who are dynamic for God, and you aren’t able to be because of a physical or mental limitation, remember this portion of scripture. If you are poor and can hardly make ends meet, but you see those who are much better off than you are making a difference with their finances, remember this scripture. This doesn’t mean you have no responsibility because of your limitations, but because of this scripture, I believe that there is a difference.