Am I making a difference?

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Parker/Beagle/Fontana United Methodist Churches

Scripture selection: Mark 12: 41-44.

These verses talk of Jesus watching wealthy people giving large sums of money to the treasury. He then observed and praised a widow who had given two small coins. Jesus taught that the widow’s offering was actually greater than all the others because while the wealthy had given out of excess, she had given out of her poverty and sincere faith.

One important take-home message of this passage is that even a small expression of faith can have great ramifications, especially for those paying attention. In this passage, Jesus was paying attention. It is noteworthy that he observed the wealthy contributing as well as the poor widow and commented on their offerings.

For me, the core meaning of this passage is that we all make a difference when we contribute to the work of God. This difference is greatly amplified when we give sacrificially of our time and our money. So my question of you, and of myself, is this:

Am I giving to God a generous portion of my time and money?

A follow-up question is this: Am I following Jesus with enthusiasm and commitment, by giving thanks to God and sharing the good news of the gospel?

If we take a quick look at Revelations 3: 14-18, Jesus is telling us to be hot or cold. If we are lukewarm he will spit us out. I interpret this to mean that he demands our full commitment – not our half-hearted excuses. God wants our total, all-in, commitment to his word.

Today’s message is to simply encourage you to give your full and total devotion to God and let your giving, your time, and your life be an example of sacrificial love and support like the widow who gave abundantly out of her poverty and faith.

Am I making a difference? I firmly believe that any good we do for others, we do for Christ. Whether it's giving food, clothing, money, or support, if we do it in the name of Christ we are making a difference. My challenge for you, and myself, is to be more deliberate and sacrificial in my work for Jesus and his church.

I am convinced – absolutely convinced – that any good that we do for others or for God will be amply rewarded by a God who loves us without fail.

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If you are ready to worship and serve a loving God who welcomes everyone to his family, please come worship with us. We will give you a warm welcome and a message of unfailing love. We won’t ask you for money. We won’t ask you to change your life. We will share the good news of Jesus Christ and the wonderful life God offers to all of us.

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We will have Sunday morning services during the month of July 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month August 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Fontana United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month September 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Parker United Methodist Church.

We serve communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate with us!

Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana

United Methodist Churches