25 Oct November 19th Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

ACCOUNTABILITY

2 Corinthians 8:18-21  “And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 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. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”

The world loves a scandal.  It especially loves it when there is a scandal in the church.  It is therefore incumbent upon us in the church and especially for the leaders to conduct the ministry with integrity, honesty, and full disclosure.  This includes how the church handles the money that comes into its treasury.

St. Paul was extremely concerned about how the special offering for the church in Jerusalem was handled.  This is very apparent in the words of today’s devotional verses.  “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. . .” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21)  He was insistent that every penny that was contributed to this special collection would end up in Jerusalem to take care of God’s people who were suffering greatly.

St. Paul’s care and concern is equally important in the church of today.  When God’s people contribute their “tithes” to Him in thanks and honor of all He does for them, they are to be accounted for completely and used according to the plans that the members of the congregation have approved (the budget.)  To do otherwise than this will bring loss of respect, esteem, and honor of the congregation.  Weak souls will be injured.  The world will heap condemnation and ridicule upon God’s people and their congregation.

1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “. . . everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” And, 1 Corinthians 10:31, “ . . . whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”

Prayer:  Lord, bless me and my congregation that we responsibly carry out our stewardship life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Lord of all good our gifts we bring You now;

Use them Your holy purpose to fulfill.

Tokens of love and pledges they shall be

That our whole life is offered to Your will.

WE give our minds to understand Your ways;

Hands, eyes, and voice to serve Your great design;

Hearts with the flame of Your own love ablaze—

Thus for Your glory all our pow’rs combine.

Father, whose bounty all creation shows;

Christ, by whose willing sacrifice we live;

Spirit, from whom all life in fullness flows:

To You with grateful hearts ourselves we give.

(LSB 786)