2 Corinthians 5-9
December 13, 2014

Two observations today:  Paul seems to be more tender in this letter than in the first.  It sounds like the church responded very well to his first letter, and perhaps even had their feelings hurt a little bit.  I am sure that wasn't Paul's intent...perhaps he does come off a little strong sometimes.

Second thought:  Paul shifts his focus from basic topics of righteousness, ie: not sleeping with your father's wife, etc.  to a slightly more advanced topic, giving.

I thought as I read today "this would be a good place to discuss giving".  So here goes....

Most people do not want anyone to know what they give, whether it be amount or ministries supported.  What we do with our resources is fairly private, and it should be.  The Bible says "don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" when it comes to resourcing ministries.   On the other hand, if no one ever knows what is going on, then how can we remain accountable?   At what point does anonymity become the "cover of darkness" where sin has a chance to fester?    To put it another way, if I am never taught or challenged in my giving habits then I may never grow in that area.    Our desire to keep everything private could potentially result in abnormally developed Christians.  

The amount we give to the church has been a tenth of our income, ever since the time that Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the plunder from his raid.  It may have been dictated by God before that but if it was, we don't know it.  The most common question is "does that mean a tenth from the net or the gross?"   if your intent in asking the question is to get more money for yourself, then you need to reexamine your motives, and ask a different question.   Stop looking for the minimum, and find a way within your budget to contribute even more to the Lord.     Speaking of giving to the Lord, that's exactly what our tithe is.  We don't give it to the "church" or the "Pastor", but to the Lord.   What the church does with becomes their responsibility.  If you serve in leadership, then it probably is your responsibility as well.   If you don't agree with what the church does with the money, state your opinion and try to get it changed.   If they won't change, then find a different place to worship.   Don't keep attending and not contribute...that's not fair to the church, and it's a bad habit to get into.  

Sometimes people ask me "can I give a part of my tithe to other ministries"?   and I generally say "sure".   After all, you give your tithe to the Lord, not the church.  However, keep in mind that the local church needs your support as well.  None of the para church ministries survive unless the local church survives.   It's the local church that meets your day to day needs, helps teach the children of the community, cares for the elderly and shares the Gospel locally,,,and even globally.   In fact, if it weren't for the local church, you may not even have been aware that others need your help as well.    The church is operating in faith when they bring the needs of the larger body to your attention   They are trusting that God will find a way to help continue the current ministries while helping others who need assistance.    Generally, it's best to give your tithe to the local church and then support other ministries out of "offerings" which are over and above your tithe.

Designating money has always been one way to help encourage people to give.   If they know the money is going to a particular project, especially it it's one they like, they are prone to give more.   But we shouldn't "designate" our tithe, because that is just another way to trying to control what we claim to have given over to God.   Offerings can always be designated, but tithes should not be, as a general rule.  If you want to be involved in where the money goes, then find your way into a leadership position, or talk to someone who already is, and make your point known.     In a healthy church, they will listen and consider what God may be revealing to them through you.

Pastors generally don't like to talk about money, myself included.  I feel like I am asking for a handout or something...it's uncomfortable.   I even feel a little tense when Paul is talking about money.  Maybe that's because of the culture, and how important we have made money...or maybe it's a fear that people won't like me if I get involved in their business in this personal way.      Either way, it sets up a difficult situation:   People want giving to be private, pastors don't like to talk about it, and it's often misunderstood and never followed up.   No wonder our churches often have a difficult time establishing budgets and seeing growth in this area.

I think the solution is a little more transparency on both sides.  The giver should allow a person or two to encourage them to be faithful and accountable, and the church should be even more receptive to suggestions from the body about where the money given should be allocated.

Blessings to you, as you think and pray about what the Lord is saying to you about this topic,


PR