We are on vacation staying in a semi-remote location. Our condo
has Wi-Fi (sometimes) and ‘modern’ television service. That is, if we had a
streaming account, we could watch movies twenty-four seven. The service also
has 45 channels, but the only ‘modern’ programing is news, weather and sports.
The rest is old shows mostly from the 50s and 60s. One of them was a preacher
who talked for a little while but the appeal for money was longer than his
sermon. Little wonder many non-church people have the idea that all the church
wants is dollars!
Most Christians would use the term “faith-based” to describe
how their church operates. That is, those who attend a local church are
trusting the Lord to supply the money needed for its expenses and to take care
of those in need. At the same time, we know that money usually comes from the
pockets of the membership. It makes sense. How else do we pay our pastor, the
power bills, and give to the poor?
Granted, in some places in this world, churches are
government-sponsored which is another way of saying government-controlled. That
is not what God intended when the church was formed. Mind you, big buildings
and high salaries are not biblical either. Back then, congregations met in homes
. . .
The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 16:19)Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. (Colossians 4:15). . . Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house . . . (Philemon 2)
In those days, the term
“church” referred to people who believed in Jesus Christ, not a building, but
it was like a building . . .
You yourselves (are) like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)
While Christians
still consider themselves the Body of Christ, we now use buildings that we also
call ‘the church’ which can be confusing to those who don’t attend.
Times have changed
and for that reason, so has the use of ‘offerings’ which were collected back
then for a different purpose than they are now.
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed
the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week,
each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so
that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send
those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems
advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. (1 Corinthians 16:1–4)
This offering was
given during a time of famine in Jerusalem. The Christians at Corinth were able
and willing to send money to the believers in trouble and Paul instructed them
how to do it. While giving like this still happens, most of the time the church
offering is for other expenses. The only similarity is that we still take the
collection on the first day of the week so when the time comes to ‘pay up’ the
funds are available.
At least this is how
it works in many places, but there are countries where churches are forbidden,
Christians still meet in homes, often in secret. Because God gives His people
generous hearts, most likely there are collections for the needy, but this also
is quietly done and a far cry from that television program that made a very
noisy appeal for funds!
How do I apply this?
Obviously, God will tell willing hearts how and when to share with others, so I
need to pay attention to the Holy Spirit and obey Him. Being aware of needs is
important yet I know I cannot meet all of them. I also know from personal
experience that God can use a sense of need to draw people into a relationship
of trusting Him. Since I don’t know what He is doing, again I need to listen to
Him regarding giving.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jesus, one thing certain
is that I cannot out-give You. You are my source and resource. If I need
whatever I give away, You will take care of my need too. Those who are faithful
to give seem always financially blessed. You simply pour in the resources so we
can give them away. I cannot explain how that works, just that it does! Thank
You for teaching me this wonderful truth about money and giving and that Your
church is people, not wood and stone!
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