“A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life”
-Joseph Smith
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Mark 12
41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 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.
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So two mites is practically nothing.
But the widow's mites were worth everything and more.
Yes, others put in more, but they could easily afford it, and they obviously did it for show... in the above video they are putting in sacks of money coin by coin... ha.
Well unlike them, the widow probably didn't know if she was going to eat the next day.
But she put her money in anyways. All that she had to give.
And because of her sacrifice, I would be willing to bet you just about anything she didn't go hungry the next day...
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So how does this story apply to you and me?
Sometimes giving your all is what it takes to gain a testimony, to keep your testimony strong, to receive personal revelation, etc, etc.
It is one of those things where you can't just halfheartedly put a little effort into it - or pray to get better at some really hard piano songs and then not practice enough... (I have experience with that one... ha.)
And I want to return to my Maker knowing that I gave Him everything I had to give.
He deserves no less, and I know that I will be returned everything I give.
So much more, actually, which is something I probably won't deserve, but I'll be given it anyways because my God spoils me. :)
And remember that in your own life, there will always be someone that seems to be doing better than you. Giving more.
It may seem that others are so much better at their callings - whatever they are - than you are at yours.
But God only demands of you what you have to give.
And trying your hardest... giving your all... is enough for him.
So that's something to keep in mind.
And whom God calls God qualifies. Remember that too.
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