BY WHAT AUTHORITY DO WE GIVE? by Dave Brown

Authority for giving is clearly spelled out for us in the New Testament. For example: "Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by in store as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come" (1 Cor. 16:2).

This simple statement authorizes: (1) giving to be done regularly (if there is prospering), (2) that it be done "upon the first day of the week," (3) that "each" Christian is responsible, (4) that the specific amount was determined by how much "he may prosper" and (5) that the church was to maintain the contribution "in store" until it could be used properly.

(The proper use of this money is an important topic, and it should be clear that authority for the expenditures are as important as the authority for collections. We will consider this in future articles.)

The command not to "go beyond" (2 John 9), excludes a number of things. For example, no other time but the first day of the week is authorized. And, the bible in no place authorizes the church to solicit gifts (or otherwise raise money) from those of the world.

The admonition: "that no collections be made when I come" infers that Paul did not want to launch an emotional appeal (or any other type) when he came. He wanted their giving to be a reasoned and planned expressions of love that comes from the heart (2 Cor. 8:1-5).

Unlike under the Old Testament, where a specific tithe and sacrifices were commanded, the exact amount that a Christian is to give has not been specified. While the Old Testament provides us with some general principles (Rom. 15:4), we should recognize that everything that we have belongs to God, including our lives and beings (Rom. 12:1).

Misunderstood by most religious organizations is the fact that God does not need our contribution to do His work (Acts 17:24-25). The conversion of the material wealth which God has given us into monuments to our own pride is nothing short of idolatry, especially when we claim to be doing it in the name of the Lord.

But, like our time and efforts, we need to obey God's commands to give of our means to glorify our Him. For in doing so, we are richly blessed (Mk. 10:29-30).