Hearts On The Move | Pastor Nate Keeler
In the world around us, wealth and success are often measured by how much we have—by the size of our bank accounts or the luxuries we enjoy. But God sees things differently. In His economy, the value of what we give isn’t about the portion, or amount, but the proportion, the measure of sacrifice we are willing to make for His purposes. This isn’t just a financial concept; it’s a profound spiritual truth that shapes how we approach our lives, our resources, and our worship.
In Scripture, we learn that God values the state of our heart above all else. When we choose to give sacrificially, we declare to Him that He is more valuable than the things we’re giving up. It’s a transformation of mindset—a shift that turns our giving into an act of true worship.
Why Proportion Matters More Than Portion
God’s perspective on giving isn’t like ours. We may look at what’s in our wallets or checkbooks and think that the numbers matter most. In contrast, God focuses on our willingness to sacrifice. Imagine this: when Jesus saw a poor widow give two small coins, He praised her above those who gave large amounts from their abundance. Why? Because her gift was a genuine sacrifice; it was everything she had.
In Mark 12:43-44, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” God’s economy turns the world’s view upside down, showing us that giving is about heart and transformation, not just transaction.
To give out of proportion means we are willing to let go of something valuable to us. This type of giving forces us to reevaluate what we treasure. Is it security? Comfort? The ability to buy what we want? God invites us to let go of these attachments and trust Him deeply. When we choose to worship God with our finances in this way, it can cost us something significant—and that’s precisely the point.
The Heart of Worship: Making God Number One
What does it really mean to worship God? True worship is giving God the highest worth in our lives. Worship doesn’t only happen through singing on Sundays; it’s reflected in every choice we make. We can worship God by living obediently, staying pure in heart, offering our time, and, yes, through our finances.
When we worship God with our resources, we say, “Lord, You are more valuable to me than my possessions. I trust You more than my savings.” This type of worship challenges us to see money not as our own, but as a tool God entrusts to us. And like any relationship, this form of worship requires commitment. Just as we sacrifice time and energy in relationships, our financial worship asks for dedication, surrender, and sometimes, uncomfortable choices.
A Simple Thought Experiment: What’s In Your Box?
Let’s try a little exercise. Imagine you have a box in your mind—a place where you could store anything you’re willing to give up for God. Think about what might be in that box. Perhaps there’s an item you wanted to buy, a trip you’ve been planning, or an upgrade for your home or car.
Now ask yourself, could you put that thing in the box as an offering to God? This practice helps us gauge whether our giving reflects true sacrifice. If our gift doesn’t really cost us something, we may be more like the wealthy givers than the widow. But if it does cost us—if it pushes us to trust God with what we have—then we are worshiping Him through genuine sacrifice.
Your “box” includes things that you are willing to forego. This could include a winter wardrobe update, a pair of shoes, or even an upgrade for a car. This box reminds us that true worship often means giving up some comfort or convenience. What’s in your box? What could you be willing to surrender as an act of worship?
Biblical Examples of Extravagant Worship
Scripture gives us many examples of sacrificial giving. Consider Mary of Bethany, who poured her expensive perfume—a family heirloom—over Jesus’ feet as an act of worship. Her gift was extravagant, not only because of its value but because it may have represented her future security. But she placed Jesus above even that.
King David also offered everything he had when preparing to build a temple for God. In 1 Chronicles 29, he gave from his own fortune to provide resources for a temple he wouldn’t even live to see. This act wasn’t about what David could enjoy; it was about worshiping God and leaving a legacy for future generations. Both Mary and David showed what it means to sacrifice for the One who is truly worthy.
Overcoming the Fear of “What If”
When we think about sacrificial giving, fears and doubts often surface. What if I can’t make ends meet? What if an emergency comes up? These “what ifs” can paralyze us. But think about this: when a child is hesitant to jump into a pool, we stand there and say, “You can trust me; I won’t let you drown.” God says the same to us with our finances.
Just as we tell our kids, “Look at me, trust me,” God tells us to look to Him and trust that He won’t let us fall. Jesus, who gave everything—even His life—for us, assures us that He won’t abandon us in our need. We can trust Him to provide, and when we do, we’re not just making a donation; we’re deepening our faith in Him as our Provider.
Why We Can Trust Jesus with Everything
The reason we can place our finances and our lives in God’s hands is simple: Jesus never asks us to do something He hasn’t done Himself. Jesus put everything in His “box.” He surrendered His very life, diving into the depths of our sin to lift us up into eternal life with Him. He went to the cross, paying the ultimate price, so we could trust in Him fully.
Romans 8:32 reminds us, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Jesus’s sacrifice assures us that God will provide, that we can trust Him with every part of our lives.
Taking the Step of Faith
If you feel God nudging you to take a step of faith, to put something in your “box” as an act of worship, take a moment to reflect on it. This isn’t about impressing others or reaching a set amount. Instead, it’s a personal step of trust, a tangible way to demonstrate that God truly holds first place in your life.
True worship is about where our heart and treasure meet. And when we place God above all else, we enter into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him, one that’s rooted in trust, sacrifice, and joy.