Stewardship

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:

A man had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. He could receive little company and was to avoid excitement. While in the hospital a rich uncle died and left him a million dollars. His family wondered how to break the news to him with the least amount of excitement. It was decided to ask the preacher if he would go and break the news quietly to the man. The preacher gradually led up to the question. The preacher asked the patient what he would do if he inherited a million dollars. He said, “I think I would give half of it to the church.” The preacher dropped dead. (Source unknown).

One of the things in Christian circles that tends to be done in a careless manner is the handling of money. The apostle Paul in this passage organizes the collection of funds for the saints in Jerusalem so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. We can find here the qualifications for people handling funds in a local church or Christian organization:

1. A desire to serve (vv. 16 17) Titus had a desire to help in the gathering of this special offering and was not just put on this Finance Committee because no one else would do it.

2. A burden for lost souls (v. 18) We do not know who this brother was but we are told that he had a desire to share the gospel. Every Finance Committee needs to have members who have a burden for lost souls.

3. A desire to honor God (v. 19) When a church selects deacons or elders, to handle the "spiritual affairs" of the church, and trustees to handle the "material and financial affairs," it is making an unbiblical distinction. One of the most spiritual things a church can do is use its money wisely for spiritual ministry.

4. A reputation for honesty (vv. 20 22) It is very unwise for anyone to handle funds in a Christian organization by himself. There needs to be at least two and preferably three people who collect and count it in order to avoid any accusations.

5. A cooperative spirit (vv. 23 24) - Finance Committee members do not own the money. It belongs to the Lord and they just manage it.

APPLICATION:

Of the qualifications mentioned above which ones do I need to work on the most?