Surplus Giving

The story known as the widow's mite is worth pondering.  There are things about it which scream out, "Slow down and take another look!" but most of us have heard or read the story so many times, it's a word we ignore.  We know all the particulars.  We know Jesus is going to be pleased with the giving of the widow and that we are likely to feel a little guilt at our own.  With all this in mind, we read and run.  

One of the places which calls for slow pondering is found in that section of the story where Jesus speaks of the affluent "contributing out of their abundance."  (Luke 21:4)  The word "abundance" is an important word and one that is often misunderstood.  While few of us are Greek scholars, if we could go back and read this passage in the original language it was written, we would find ourselves looking at a word that carried a different meaning that we give it today.  According to our contemporary understanding, the word creates the image of bulging bank accounts.  The original meaning is more synonymous with our understanding of the word "surplus."  In other words, as Jesus pointed out the giving of the affluent, He was pointing out gifts that were from the surplus.    

The surplus is that which speaks of more than is needed.  It speaks of what is left after all the bills have been paid, the credit card debt has been knocked down a bit, and all the wants and wishes of our extravagant life style have been satisfied.  Out of what is left, the surplus gifts are given.  Surplus giving may or may not be a boatload of money, but it is giving that is not risky.  It does not have within it the component of faith.  Surplus gifts are given after everything else is handled.  Surplus giving does not speak of depending on God to provide which is what the widow's gift illustrated.  It is all about hedging our bets just in case God is not able to provide for us according to what we think is necessary.