Caden’s Gift

Bible Reading: Acts 11:27-30

Caden tugged his mom’s sleeve in the church hallway. “I need some money for our offering.”

“Okay,” Mom said, opening her purse. Caden took the money she held out and dashed off to class.

“I’m guessing many of you get your offering money from your parents,” Mrs. Hallman said after the class had taken the offering. “I have a suggestion. For the next month, why don’t you only put money you’ve earned yourself in the offering? Missionaries will be using it to set up a school. Some of the kids don’t have parents; others don’t get enough to eat. You’ll be giving your money to the Lord so those kids can hear about Jesus.”

Caden didn’t like the idea of giving away his own money. “I don’t see what difference it makes whether we give the money ourselves or our parents help us,” he said on the way home from church.

“The difference is you don’t get any real joy out of giving to the Lord when the gift doesn’t cost you anything,” Dad said.

“Maybe not, but I don’t get much money, and I’ve got to save up for a new bike.”

“Sometimes we have to sacrifice and go without things we want in order to give to God,” Dad said. “We give to show Him gratitude for sacrificing His own Son for us. Maybe you could find ways to earn extra money. Pray about it and ask God what you should do.”

Over the next few weeks, Caden was surprised at how many jobs he was able to pick up. His parents paid him for extra chores he did at home, and he mowed lawns for neighbors and cleaned his grandma’s basement. He actually enjoyed earning money for the missionary offering, and he even decided to give the money he usually spent on candy each week.

“When I’m working for extra money, I pretend I’m a missionary and that I’m doing the work so people can hear about Jesus,” Caden told his mom one day.

“Pretend?” Mom smiled. “It isn’t pretend, Caden. Even though you’re not in a far-off country, the work you’re doing is helping people come to Jesus. In that sense, you’re a missionary yourself.” She gave him a hug. “I’m so proud of you!” – Bernard Palmer

How About You?

Do you truly give to God, or do you just pass along your parents’ gifts? Remember that giving always costs something. When God gave us His Son, it cost Jesus His life. Ask God to show you how you can give to Him. Maybe it’s by finding ways to earn extra money or by donating your things or time so others can hear about Him. Whatever it is, give out of gratitude for all He’s done for you.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Samuel 24:24 I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give to God