Sharing

 DEVOTION

THE 2^ND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

SHARING

2 Cor 8:1-4

8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

NIV

This is just the beginning of a longer dissertation on giving and the equality of giving. However, there are truths within that we should stop and ponder on. What we should focus on is this Macedonian church in its giving. Paul says they gave entirely on their own. What does he mean by that? How did they know they needed to give? Paul had to have told them there was some need in another church otherwise they would have no need to give. The need had to have been known, but still, they were not coerced to give. They wanted to give, they pleaded with Paul to allow them to give to the need of others. This seems to be a far cry from how the modern church functions. Most of the giving is used to supply the needs of the individual church itself. Although within the guidelines of denominationalism local churches are mandated a percentage be sent to supply the needs of either the region or the national headquarters. However, even in this, most of the giving is spent on salaries and the expenses of the physical buildings. There is this item of a budget and that it is established, and the aim is to fulfill the budget based on the compulsion of giving. Many churches operate on the principle of tithing, while some denominations have dictated the amount each should give, at least in the past. But the case is there seems to be little or no equality in the purpose of giving. Paul makes that point later in this portion of this letter, but it is part of his point. Of course, there is some of the budget that is set to be given to outside the local church. Certain missionaries that have been approved receive some support from each local church within their denomination. There may be some local outreach ministries that receive a number of donations, but again nothing that matches anything like the local expenses of the church itself, even to the point of some churches being able to store up funds for some unexpected want or need. Then there are certain members who give but want that giving to be used for only one purpose, or what is referred to as designated giving. Whatever the reason or purpose of storing the funds seems not to be aligned with the scriptural principles that Paul mentions here. There is some mention of local churches storing up funds until someone came to gather them to take them to the place of need, but then all the funds were taken for the need. It appears we may have missed the mark on this giving issue, but then this is now and that was then. Maybe we need some newer principles because of the different way we conduct church then they did. We will have to see how this concept of sharing plays out.