The Widow's Mite

In Mark 12 we hear of the widow’s mite. Jesus saw that the rich people were casting much money into the treasury. They had a lot and were giving a lot. Then He saw the poor widow, who threw in very little money. Her contribution amounted to the lowest value of coin at the time. After witnessing this Christ called His disciples to Him. In verses 43 and 44 we read what He says.
      “. . . Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they
     which have cast into the treasury:
     For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she
     had, even all her living.”
This widow shows to be a great example of loving God with all she has. She was willing to sacrifice all she had to show her love and devotion to God.

We see that the rich people were willing to give much but was it a sacrifice for them and a way they showed God their love for Him? I believe the words of Christ tell us that they weren’t giving as much as this widow gave. It is interesting to see that she gave such little, and they gave so much, yet her offering was so much more. It is apparent that Christ favors those who are willing to make sacrifices to follow Him. In 2 Nephi 25:23 we read,
     “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to
     believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God: for we know that it is by grace that we
     are saved after all we can do.”
It is as we make sacrifices, and put forth our best effort in being disciples of Christ, that we are able to be blessed by the grace of the Savior. Our efforts and the amount we do doesn’t count for much if our heart isn’t in it, turned to God, and we aren’t giving up something to become more like the Savior.

How is it then that we can follow the example of the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience? Of course we can give of our physical riches. We can be generous in our tithes and offerings. There is more we can do though. One of the greatest things we can give is our time. We can sacrifice time doing leisurely things and give that time to scripture study, prayer, magnifying callings, missionary work, and service. Anytime spent serving the Lord, is time well spent. We have been commanded and encouraged to spend our time wisely, and work to be true followers of Jesus Christ. I don’t believe there is any greater sign of love for God then giving of our time and keeping His commandments. I believe as we do these things we will find favor with God and He will see us as He sees the widow, who so humbly gave all she had to Him.