So far in our series of daily articles we have emphasized the need for study, meditation and prayer. We have made available to all in our congregation opportunities to worship God. We have been able, with the cooperation of the small town of Westworth Village, to practice rigorous social distancing, and yet still meet to worship God in person on Sunday. We have been teaching online both on Wednesday evening, as well as Sunday during worship. And, we have been trying, six days a week, to write an article like this one to edify and encourage the brethren. Can you think of something that we haven’t dealt with at all? At least, except for a few private conversations?
What about our responsibility to give of our means on the first day of the week!
A month ago, I was monitoring a discussion about whether physical worship is necessary, or whether we should just stay home and strictly observe the shelter in place guidelines that have been promoted both nationally and locally. When one asked the question, “Why would anyone even consider meeting physically during this time?”, a cynic answered harshly, “Because those preachers care more about getting their money than keeping their people safe!”
There are actually quite a few people who think this way. They believe that religion is a scam. Unfortunately, there is some cause for such disgust. Especially toward many of the televangelists and online preachers, who do indeed make merchandise of the gospel of our Lord. This is a travesty. They should be ashamed, as they serve to turn many in the world away from the faith.
That doesn’t change the fact that Christians have the responsibility to give. “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). We have long taught the necessity of giving to the Lord first, rather than the leftovers that we may have. This principle is clearly taught by the Lord in Mark 12:41-44, “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.'”
So what do we do? We persist in our giving! It is our responsibility toward God to give cheerfully, liberally, and in proportion to the blessings God has given us (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15). If you are unable to be at worship, you can give it to another to put in the basket on the Lord’s day. Or, if you prefer, you can earmark it, and just give when you are able to meet again. What you should not do is decide that “Since I am not there, I have no obligation.”
Why do we insist on this? It is not because we are at this point concerned about the welfare of the congregation. At present, there is no problem with the finances in the church, and there should not be for a long while. However, though we are greatly impacted by the pandemic and the government’s call to social distance, we are not excused from doing God’s commands. I have heard so many lately talking about depending upon God’s mercy, and I agree that we have to do so every single day. Rest assured that such mercy will not be extended to any who purposefully renege on the obligations of our service to Him. Brethren, think on these things!
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