For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
As we notice in the past couple Chapters, Paul spent alot of time dealing with managing money and accountability. In Paul's instructions here it's no different, however Paul is teaching the Church, if you are going to talk the talk, then you need to walk the walk. Meaning if we say we are going to do something, then we need to follow up and do it! Otherwise, we just look like liars and hypocrites. The Church promised to send a generous donation to the other Churches, and Paul was making sure they actually followed through
The reality is, money has become even more than a idol for most people, it has become their god. Most people base their entire lives around money, as if it can save your soul from Hell. Is money important? Well of course, we need to support our families and our ourselves, but do most people use this excuse to build the foundation of their lives upon money? I think yes, instead of building their lives upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, our chief cornerstone.
The Apostle Paul here is bragging about the Church and their eagerness for "Cheerful giving" as Paul says " I boast of you to them of Macedonian, that Achaia was ready a year ago" Paul is bragging about this Churches willingness and ability to financially support other Churches. Being a Cheerful giver is not just obedience to Jesus Christ, but it also demonstrates the authenticity of faith to other believers.
For example, there are many "mega-Churches" we see throughout America, they like to flash their large buildings and assets, however wouldn't it be more impressive if these mega-Churches gave some of their money to the smaller Churches that are struggling to pay their mortgage? However we don't see this in today's Christianity, because instead of us all being the Body of Christ, we are divided , competing against each other like were in business, its a very carnal minded Christianity
Notice what Paul warns the Church "that, as I said, you may be ready; 4lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this"
Actions speak louder than words, its one thing for a Church to brag they are a "Cheerful giver" but its another thing to actually do it. And when the Church brags and fails to follow up, it loses the credibility of the Church. So Paul is preparing the hearts of the Church, Be ready to give because you promised you would!
As Jesus said "Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No" (Matthew 5:37) When the Church promises something, let their word be true because Christ is our Lord! Be obedient to Christ in all things, including finances, because Jesus Christ is our Lord and Head of the Church, Amen!
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