DAY 16: Regular and proportional Giving

Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
‘On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a
sum of money in keeping with your income’ v2

 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

 For Christians seeking to develop their discipleship, the act of
disciplined giving is part of our normal worshipping life. Paul instructs
all in the church in Corinth, regardless of their affluence to take part in
the regular and systematic setting aside of money for the work of God.
Many people are now paid on a monthly basis but the principle still
stands of setting aside a proportion of our income for God’s work.
There is much to be said for looking at our finances on a monthly
basis and not only having a fixed amount that is set aside but also
praying about additional sums of money that might be given freely and
generously towards specific projects.
The collection in Corinth was for the church in Jerusalem that was
experiencing famine. Each month we may well receive several
invitations to give towards the work of mission agencies. By looking
realistically at what we have received and what we spend, we may feel
prompted to give to these appeals. One way to prepare for this is to
have a special fund of money that we have set aside for appeals. We
know it’s there and ring-fenced for specific but spontaneous giving.

 For further Reading: Luke 14:12-14 - giving to those who cannot repay.

 To Ponder: How do we deal with those special appeals from mission
agencies? If you don’t have a fixed way of dealing with them
would setting aside a regular amount be helpful?

 To Pray: Lord Jesus, there are times when the regular appeals from
mission agencies threaten to overwhelm me. Help me to be
realistic and generous in my giving to these causes. Amen.
The next reflection will be on Monday

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