Money can be used for good or bad. Making money is not a bad
thing, but what do you do with the money you get? We can make a positive difference
or a negative. Every time money is mentioned in the church there is a certain
cringe that happens. I used to think this. Growing up looking at immaculate
buildings with some beautiful design in architecture and thinking this building
cost so much money.
I hated the church and how it had a very expensive building
yet there are people all over the world starving and they cared this much for
the building? I’m out. I don’t want to be apart of a place that puts value over
a structure rather then starving people. The church cares to much about money
used to be a thought. Is there a point for the church to collect money every
week? Is that really necessary?
This is what Paul told churches in regards to money, 1
Corinthians 16 2…
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set
aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I
come no collections will have to be made.”
What’s the point? Giving needs to be done on a consistent
basis. It should be a slice of the pie not the whole entire pie. Some people
make a lot more then others, therefore if you are broke you give a chunk of
that and if you make a ton of money it would be a bigger chunk. The collection
of money was an application of faith to care for the needs of others and in
particular, the needs in Jerusalem.
Giving was for meeting the needs of those less fortunate, do
we do the same thing today? Churches do have buildings, some bigger then others
and money is given with majority of churches ministers salary is a good chunk
of the overall church budget. Honestly though, when looking at a church, I look
at what a church does with it’s money.
At Union Christian Church we give about 15-20 percent to
missions we support. Some of which includes taking care of those without homes
and food in our area. We try to support missions that help bring people to
Christ and try to help churches all over the world like North Haiti Mission.
Then when needs come up in our congregation we have benevolence setup to help
people out. I love being apart of a congregation that looks outside of our own
needs and sees how we can help others out.
I believe it is right for the church to put money towards
buildings and paying staff (98% of ministers are severely underpaid) but
mission has to be a goal and that is what Paul was moving towards. Giving money
to help meet the needs of other people.
When you look at your life do you give? Do you try to meet
others needs or just do what you want with your money? Maybe someone you know
could use some of the money you have today.
Have a great day.
