Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Church Isn't About Money

"The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." -- Luke 16:14-15

Have you ever attended a church that was focused on money? The call from the pulpit is almost weekly. Church leaders are always broke and always wanting. Not so they have more money to give to the poor. Not to meet basic needs or build as the church grows. Just to have more money. And more money. There is never enough.

This is not a criticism of tithing. The Bible says to give God back 10 percent of everything He has given you. That's basic. You do that or you report to God. End of story. Tithing is a good thing.

This is about the church that can never have enough money. It's the one where the church leaders go to conferences and host nice affairs for other churches or organizations. It's the one that is so fancy and new and, well, showy that you'd never think to invite a homeless person in for some fellowship.

Funny thing, too, the more the leadership focuses on money, the less they focus on helping the poor. The more time they spend building up the reserves, the more difficult it is to add an outreach program for teenagers. Or offer counseling for battered women. Or invite children to participate in a music program.

I once heard a wonderful preacher tell a congregation that he didn't worry about money. He wasn't really popular, as you might imagine. But he made a good point. He said that all he cared about was doing God's will. He said that if God calls a church -- or anyone -- to do something, He'll provide the money. He's right.

I'd really love to see all churches stop asking for money. I'd like for every Christian to truly tithe 10 percent. And I'd like for churches to pray for God's will before the leaders commit to anything. Because God will provide for whatever is His will. It might not be showy. It might not involve a new building. But it will minister and comfort His people, drawing them to Him. And isn't that truly what we've been called to do?