I am going to write
about something that I don’t really like to write or talk about: Money. Churches
and pastors have been accused of being interested only in money. This image has
not been helped by the fact that every Christian ministry and every pastor on
the radio or television is dependent on contributions to stay on the air.
Often, then, you will hear them asking for donations. The idea gains even more
traction because of the few media preachers that are extremely wealthy. They,
unfortunately, become the caricature of ever preacher. But that could hardly be
further from the truth.
Most preachers I
know give sacrificially, live on a shoestring, and don’t like to talk about
money. Most preachers I know work far more hours a week in the ministry than
they would in a conventional job, and make less money. The accusations would
disappear quickly if some of the accusers walked a day in the preacher’s shoes.
That being said, money is important and we do need to talk about it.
Perhaps the place
we should start is with the question: Why are churches tax exempt? The simple
answer to that question is that churches and other tax exempt organizations are
tax exempt because they bring value to the community that is worth more than taxes.
That, of course, is a debated statement today. Many view churches as disruptive
and hate-mongering. Again, this is a caricature based on a handful of unfortunate
cases. Historically, we have hospitals, accountable government, lower crime,
and less violence in our communities because of the presence and influence of churches.
Money is a
powerful thing. It can do a lot of good, but it is also deceptively dangerous.
Which is why there are certain biblical principles that we need to keep in mind
when it comes to money. While churches in the United States and many other
countries are considered tax exempt, there is no biblical requirement to that
end. We are grateful to God for tax exempt status as it frees finances to do
ministry that is beneficial to the community. We can pray for that to continue,
but if our giving to churches and ministries is simply based on what we can save
on our taxes, then we are giving wrongly.
The first
principle of biblical giving is that we are to give thoughtfully, freely, and
joyfully. 2Corinthians 9:7 teaches, “Each one must give as he has decided in
his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving is to be “as he has decided in his heart.” In other words, it should be
thoughtful and prayerful. Consider what God would have you give. Second, it is
to be given, “not reluctantly or under compulsion.” We do not give because
someone says we must give. We do not give because someone is monitoring our finances
to see how much we should be giving. We do not give because the church bills us
for what we promised to give. We give freely, without compulsion or reluctance.
Third, we give joyfully. If we give grudgingly we are not giving biblically. If
we give for the tax benefit we are not giving biblically. There is nothing
wrong with taking the tax benefit, but it must never be our motivation for
giving. Giving should be done thoughtfully, freely, and joyfully because all we
have is a gift from God.
In times such as
these we may be tempted to circle the wagons and be safe, but our calling is to
be the hands and feet of Jesus. Many businesses are struggling. Many are out of
work. I have been privileged to watch pastors step up to the plate in these
difficult times. Ruby’s Pantry provides food worth $150 or more for a twenty
dollar bill. It is a faith based ministry organized by churches and Christians
in our community. Other organizations continue to serve the needy, the
homeless, and the destitute. Many of those organizations are either Christian,
or heavily staffed by Christians. Pastors are providing meals for the homeless,
encouraging support of local businesses even when it is not convenient, and
helping wherever they can.
It is in times like
these that the church really shines because believers know that giving is not
about saving on taxes. It is about acknowledging the Lordship of Christ. They
know that serving is not about looking good. Giving is about being the hands and
feet of Jesus. I am proud of the work that my fellow ministers are doing. May
we, as believers in Jesus Christ, continue this good work. It is good for our
communities, and it honors our Lord.
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