February 25 - Give What You Have

"Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." - Mark 12:41-44

During my time at school, I have noticed that many college students do not have much money, and, because of this, are not able to contribute much financially to their churches or to other ministries. College students can sometimes become frustrated by their inability to give money to ministries, but there are other ways in which college students who cannot give much financially can contribute to ministry. One way college students can serve God and other people is by working for a church or other ministry in their area. They can do physical labor, such as construction, cleaning, and repair work, and can also do office work or help with youth or children's ministry. College students can also serve elderly members of their communities by doing repairs and other work, and by simply spending time with them. They can also work at food banks, or do volunteer work for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Students can also work with campus ministries such as Reformed University Fellowship or Campus Crusade for Christ, and can organize weekend service projects for their colleges. Many Christian colleges also organize and finance short-term mission trips during breaks. For example, Covenant College sent a group of students to Mississippi in October 2005 to help repair damages caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Although we may not be able to give financially, we should remember to look for other ways to serve. The widow in Mark 12:41-44 was not discouraged by the fact that she did not have much to give; instead, she gave what little she had.

- Kate Milton