“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
Reflection: why are some churches and pastors wealthy, while members of their own congregations poor?
Church collection is a controversial topic for many Christians. What to keep for yourself, and what to give to the church. Or as some would say “give to God”. I don’t have to point out all the massive church buildings popping up all over, each with a large number of salaried employees. And, these are not plain buildings, but many impressive structures that are very expensive to build. Sometimes even the most impressive building of a city. And, to maintain these buildings and keep the staff employed, a steady income stream is needed. Weekly collections. So many churches are almost run like a business. But is this right? Is this biblical? The Bible does have quite a bit of guidance here, and I’m wondering if we are following what the Bible is teaching, or something else.
Let’s first consider our Lord Jesus, who we claim to be following. In our focus verse, Paul points out that although he was “rich” became poor for our sake. Obviously, this statement was not about money. Jesus dealt with money and earthly wealth on many occasions. We know very well that he didn’t have any money and wealth on his own. He literally had nothing of his own. And he didn’t use his power, popularity, or influence to acquire money or any wealth. He clearly could have. And for those who wanted to follow him, he said to give away their wealth to the poor. And, finally, Jesus didn’t build buildings in order to teach about the kingdom of heaven. He didn’t instruct his disciples to build earthly structures, but to focus on heavenly structures.
In chapter 8, Paul is talking about collecting a gift, “relied for the saints”, to help the saints, the apostles and followers in Jerusalem. This was not for the purpose to build church buildings, but for food and basic supplies for living. Remember, the early church met in homes; which meant small gatherings. And those with more financial means and earthly wealth helped those who lacked which is why Paul instructed about fairness. “For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”” 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 ESV
No doubt, it is impressive to enter a large cathedral, to see what man can build. But we can easily forget that it is just a building, constructed by man. Nothing more. God doesn’t reside in a physical building. “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”” Matthew 24:1-2 ESV. “For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16b ESV. That is the eternal building we need to “invest” in, not the earthly and temporal structures.
Is there too much business focus in our churches today? The construction of large and elaborate earthly buildings, employing large staffs, as opposed to focusing on the eternal buildings? Perhaps our idea of wealth is based too much on what the world defines as wealth and riches, as opposed to eternal wealth. We need to take some lessons from Jesus, and the early church, who met in homes and shared the available means amongst each other, so that no one was lacking. And while they had little earthly wealth, they were rich as Paul stated “as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:10b ESV.