How do we understand giving to God? Here’s today’s Holy Nougat™
If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:12 NLT
In cases where one’s denomination has administrative offices with staff who are commissioned and called to provide administrative and other sort, is it not only right that they also be supported? For in giving to the work of the church, we seek to ensure that some details which require non-preaching skills be provided for. In those instances I believe that Paul would not hesitate to insist that one gives generously.
But not all churches have that kind of an administrative set up. And, ironically, in such spaces where one is not invited to give to a central fund, the issue of giving often seems moot. For there, giving seems to be much more natural to congretants than in the other contexts. Is it that they, the membership, are speeded better teaching on giving back to God? Or is it that we have become so complacent in our approach to giving that anything goes?
What about giving outside of one’s congregational or denominational ties, that is sowing into a ministry. (One would argue that I’m treading on thin ice here!) Nevertheless, I refer us to the guidelines of the Word. Paul does not actually say do not sow into ministries outside of one’s context. Rather he argues that HE does not use/abuse that right. But he clearly made an argument for others to be compensated for their labor! (See the rest of the chapter, especially the 5 verses prior). Thus, I would urge that as guided by the Lord, let us give our offerings for the support of other ministries from our surplus wherever that exists. And ONLY as guided by the Lord. This applies to small ministries, or televangelist ministries, or other spaces which offer food for spiritual growth and thought in our own lives.
I’m confident that in these times our offering outside of our home contexts, and our tithes within our home contexts, all serve to make an important difference in the lives of those who minister. Ultimately, we are reminded that when we give, we do so UNTO GOD, not to mere humanity, despite how it may seem.
What is your take on this? I’d love your feedback?
Thanks for joining in this Divine feast. May God richly bless you in all you do, think and say today.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
