Jesus silently watched as the people filed by, presenting their weekly offerings in the synagogue. They came from all walks of life. Some were doctors and lawyers. Others were merchants, fishermen, and peasant farmers. Each had come to worship God.

A poor widow threw two small coins into the collection box, bowed her head in embarrassment, and left. Rich men pulled out bags full of coins and poured the contents into the box. It was obvious they particularly enjoyed the attention they received for their contributions.

Jesus rejoiced at the widow’s gift, but frowned upon that given by the rich men. Why? Because the widow gave all she had. The rich men gave merely to receive recognition.

God expects three things of our worship. First, we have to offer our minds. This is to withdraw our thoughts from the busyness of the world and calmly set ourselves to meditate on the things of God. Then we are called to offer our hearts. The seat of our emotions and innermost being ought to recall the attributes of God and return a genuine affection for Him. Finally, God wants us to offer our bodies. The body gets involved in giving, bowing, kneeling, singing, and praising the Lord. This is true worship.

You might not be able to give great sums of money in church because you lost your job or have outstanding medical expenses. God is more concerned with the heart which motivates your worship than with the monetary value of your gifts. Let the widow’s worship stir you to give joyfully to the Lord today.