Jesus tells us in Luke 21 that the very small gift from a very poor widow was far greater than any of the large gifts given by wealthy people at the Temple treasury. (21:1 - 4) I recall the slogan used by some churches "Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice." In my opinion (and of course I have never tracked anyone's giving) rarely can wealthy Christians match the sacrificial generosity often found among impoverished Christians. It is almost impossible for them to do so unless they give almost everything away.
However after reading this familiar passage today, I did not spend time meditating on giving. Instead I paused to thank God for the various godly widows (and some never married and some divorced women) Jan and I have known over the years. I am thinking especially of those who were 60 or over when we knew them.
In each of the four Christian communities where we spent most of our ministry years - Edmonton, North Palm Beach, Toronto and Calgary - I can picture women who in my eyes are great examples of active faith. I think of one who hosted Jan and I, a young couple new to the West and new to ministry, on our first nights in Edmonton. She was a quiet woman who raised godly children and faithfully served God's people.
I picture a feisty lady in Florida (originally from New Jersey) who had come to faith later in life. She was separated and later divorced by her unbelieving husband. He was wealthy and let her struggle financially. Yet in the church she was known for her energy, her quick wit and her deep love for the Word and the Lord. In later years when visiting Florida, she told Jan and I her reaction when her church announced the beginning of a Saturday night service. "I thought it was a crazy idea. I was against it. Then I repented. So now I go on Saturday nights and serve as a greeter. Then I go back on Sunday for my own worship."
I picture a well known woman in our Toronto church who served actively for many years. By the time we came to the church, she was not as active, but her service was just as effective. She always sat at the back of the sanctuary. People knew where to find her and they did; going for a word of encouragement or counsel, or for prayer. Throughout the week by phone or as they came to her apartment, she offered wise counsel and prayer. She was an amazing support to this pastor and his wife.
I picture two widows in Calgary. Both widowed at a young age, left alone to raise young children. Both so positive in their attitudes, joyful in their faith, still active in leading Bible studies and serving people.
Those are just a few among many who walked through my mind today. As I thank God for that widow in Luke 21 who provided a fine example of sacrificial giving, I thank God for older single women I have known who have provided godly, encouraging examples for me and many others.
However after reading this familiar passage today, I did not spend time meditating on giving. Instead I paused to thank God for the various godly widows (and some never married and some divorced women) Jan and I have known over the years. I am thinking especially of those who were 60 or over when we knew them.
In each of the four Christian communities where we spent most of our ministry years - Edmonton, North Palm Beach, Toronto and Calgary - I can picture women who in my eyes are great examples of active faith. I think of one who hosted Jan and I, a young couple new to the West and new to ministry, on our first nights in Edmonton. She was a quiet woman who raised godly children and faithfully served God's people.
I picture a feisty lady in Florida (originally from New Jersey) who had come to faith later in life. She was separated and later divorced by her unbelieving husband. He was wealthy and let her struggle financially. Yet in the church she was known for her energy, her quick wit and her deep love for the Word and the Lord. In later years when visiting Florida, she told Jan and I her reaction when her church announced the beginning of a Saturday night service. "I thought it was a crazy idea. I was against it. Then I repented. So now I go on Saturday nights and serve as a greeter. Then I go back on Sunday for my own worship."
I picture a well known woman in our Toronto church who served actively for many years. By the time we came to the church, she was not as active, but her service was just as effective. She always sat at the back of the sanctuary. People knew where to find her and they did; going for a word of encouragement or counsel, or for prayer. Throughout the week by phone or as they came to her apartment, she offered wise counsel and prayer. She was an amazing support to this pastor and his wife.
I picture two widows in Calgary. Both widowed at a young age, left alone to raise young children. Both so positive in their attitudes, joyful in their faith, still active in leading Bible studies and serving people.
Those are just a few among many who walked through my mind today. As I thank God for that widow in Luke 21 who provided a fine example of sacrificial giving, I thank God for older single women I have known who have provided godly, encouraging examples for me and many others.
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