Doing it Right

 DEVOTION

THE 2^ND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

DOING IT RIGHT

2 Cor 8:16-21

16 I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.   19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

NIV

There is a right way and thus there must be a wrong way to administer the gifts of men. Paul is letting them know their gift is going to be used to honor God. But how do we relate to all this? We give, but our gifts are usually in the form of giving to the church by tithing. Occasionally there might be a special need and so a specific offering is taken, or there might be a pledge taken for giving so much each week for a particular need. This is usually something to do with the building, repairs or additions, or some other types of construction. Many churches usually have some group of people, whatever they call them, to serve as administrators of church funds. Is it their job to make sure all gifts are used in the right way in the eyes of God as well as in the eyes of men? That seems to be the criteria needed. But that is still concerning how the church handles the funds and that is usually in accordance with an established budget. But how do we personalize this? It would appear our responsibility is simply to give and believe those who administer the gifts of others correctly in the eyes of God and in the eyes of men. That is the church membership approves the way the funds are used. But what if we all are off track? What if we think it is right because it seems right in the eyes of men, but may not be right in the eyes of God and, in fact, does not honor God? Certainly, we are aware of some of those false preachers who take a liberal offering and misuse it for their own personal gain or abundant lifestyle.  Still, this seems not about us personally, but about those who handle the church funds. So, we have to believe, because we are a part of the church, that these people do what is right in the sight of God.