"How Do We Get Gods Attention"

Which is worth more, an old penny, or a new ten dollar bill? Which do you think would get Gods attention? Here is a story with two different endings concerning an old penny and a crisp ten dollar bill.

A very proud, wealthy man dressed in an expensive suit, who was the very pillar of society was sitting in church one Sunday morning when an old lady dressed in old, well-worn clothes, came and sat next to him in a pew at the front of the church. She sat in front as she had a difficult time hearing the minister, and he sat in front so everyone could see him.

The pastor gave an eloquent sermon on the generosity of the spirit, and all who heard the sermon were deeply moved by its meaning.

The collection plate was passed at the end of the sermon for donations to help in doing Gods work. When the plate reached the old lady she dropped in an old penny and then passed the plate to the wealthy gentlemen sitting next to her. This wealthy upstanding citizen made a show of selecting the newest, shiniest, ten dollar bill from his leather wallet and layed it next to the old lady's penny with a look of distain on his face.

The man thought to himself 'my gift is more important than that dirty old penny and she should be ashamed for leaving such a paltry gift to the Lord. The Lord can certainly do more with my gift of ten dollars than a penny. God will surely Bless me for my generosity.'

Which do you think means more to God, the old womens last penny she gave willingingly or the shiny, new ten dollar bill that was so proudly given. You decide.

Here is another alternate ending for the same story, where everyone's gift is the same in Gods eyes and everyone comes away richer.

The old women drops her last penny onto the collection plate and the wealthy man looks for his newest ten dollar bill. He thinks for a moment, then takes all the money from his wallet except for the ten dollar bill. He puts all his money onto the collection plate then slips the penny from the plate when no one is looking and puts it into his pocket.

Quietly without the old lady knowing, he puts the shiny ten dollar bill into her purse.

Now both gifts have the same value in the eyes of the Lord.

When the old women get home, she discovers the ten dollar bill in her purse and knows the Lord has truly given her a financial blessing.

The wealthy man has the old penny to remind him what true generosity of the spirit is all about.

Learn more about this author, Lauraine Andren.
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