SCRIPTURE:
“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.
We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.”
2 Corinthians 8:20-21 NLT
OBSERVATION:
Paul has made the call to generous giving to the church in Corinth. They were, early on, eager to give and seed into the newly growing church, and now Paul is encouraging them to finish the action of giving what they must’ve pledged at the start.
He then mentions something notable. He tells them that there will be more than just himself handling the gifts given to them. There will be others.
Why? To split the loot? Of course not!
Paul teaches a very important lesson here in the need to be accountable in visible action. Sure, as he said, they need and make every effort to be honorable before the LORD, but at the same time to also present themselves as honorable in the sight of men; i.e., the church.
And the reason is simple and noted. “We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. “
It’s called being ABOVE REPROACH.
APPLICATION:
These days, it seems like accountability has taken a back seat to efficiency and return on investment. No matter how it’s done.
I’ve seen high-risk people take the generosity of others, and leverage it into gain, but taking a cut for themselves as though it was a “right” to do so. If not checked, it can begin to erode away at the original purpose of advancing the gospel, and turn into mammon; and Jesus Himself said, you cannot, in clear conscience, serve both.
Paul saw the need to create the safe boundaries that will keep them from drifting off from the original purpose—advancing the good news—and still have enough to survive on reasonably. And all this, to be under scrutinous eyes and be above all reproach.
Regardless of the clarity of conscience in one’s own personal convictions, the notion of earning, preserving, and building trust from others, begins and ends with us. More precious than the monetary gift that Paul and the men handled, was the trustworthiness that was built by ensuring they were above reproach.
A little honest accountability goes a long, long way. It deserves our highest consideration in all things.
PRAYER:
So LORD Jesus, help me to submit myself as accountable in all things, none the least, which is finances.
Let this personal conviction of accountability permeate into all areas of my life.
Thank You for Paul and the disciples living above reproach. Amen.
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