Serving Platter

Imagine you are sitting at a table, eating a grand dinner with many others, perhaps your parents, siblings, Grandparents and a few friends. As you look around, your heart is filled with happiness seeing those you love gathered there.

Then, something miraculous happens. Your dad hands you the serving platter with the main course. You take your share, which is the sustenance you need from this meal, and then you pass it on so that your loved ones at the table can have their share.

Now, replace your biological siblings with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Replace your Dad with our Father and replace the main course with your time, talents and treasures.

Are you taking only what you need and passing the rest to those who lack sustenance? Or are you simply hoarding it?

For far too long my wife and I hoarded it. The higher our serving platter grew, the unhappier we became. I think this is because, deep in our hearts, we knew we were hoarding the meal, preventing what our Father had passed us from reaching everyone He intended to receive it.

Mark 12:41-44
The Widow's Offering
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Today, when you are passed the main course, it’s okay to take what sustenance you need, for our Father gave it to you for a reason. However, it’s not okay for us to become the end users for Father’s blessings.

I don’t think it’s called a “serving platter” by coincidence. So, when the main course comes your way, pass it on.