2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
ACCOUNTABILITY IN CHURCH FINANCES (II)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
2 Corinthians 1:12
“Providing for honest things
… in the sight of men.”
ACCOUNTABILITY IN CHURCH FINANCES (II)
The three men chosen to oversee the collection were as follows:
• Titus (2 Cor 8:16-17). Here was a man in whom the Lord had placed a great passion for the Corinthians. Titus was more than ready to go, and was thus a most suitable man to be sent to urge the Corinthian Christians to make true their pledge of aiding the poor saints in Jerusalem.
• The brother (2 Cor 8:18-21). The presence of the definite article “the” indicates that this brother was one who was well-known among the churches for his faithfulness and trustworthiness. His godly reputation made him well-positioned for the task of the collection. He was also one who was elected and appointed by the churches to make the collection. The fact that he was chosen by the churches and not by Paul would absolve Paul of any charge of undue collaboration with Titus to solicit funds from the Corinthians.
• Our brother (2 Cor 8:22). He was also chosen by the churches, and thus served to be the other neutral party in the band of three collectors. He was one who had proved to be diligent in many things. In other words, he had shown himself to be zealous and faithful in many occasions. Thus, he was accounted to be suitable in the collection of the relief fund from the Corinthians.
Observe that these men were not chosen haphazardly, but were men recognised for their spiritual maturity and integrity. Spiritually immature men should stay clear of handling church finances.
Church leaders today must do their part to ensure that there be no suspicion of misappropriation, misuse or wastage of church funds. The collection and use of these funds must be according to the law of the land. They must be blameless in every aspect of handling finances.
THOUGHT: Only spiritually mature men should handle finances. Why?
PRAYER: Father, help my church to be wise in handling finances.