Good morning. When I began in ministry over 40 years ago, the first church we served had an interesting distinction. Virtually everything in the church had a little brass plate attached with the name of a person etched into it. When I say everything, that is what I mean. The piano and organ had brass plates. Each of the communion and offering trays had their brass plates. The handrails leading down the stairs, cupboards that held dishes and glasses, if it could hold a nail, it had a brass plate attached. If it couldn’t hold a nail, things like hymnals and Bibles in the pews, someone’s name was printed inside the cover.
The purpose of all the brass plates was to show who had given what to the church through the years. For the church, it had not only become a tradition, it became something of a phobia. Leadership lived in fear that they would ever forget to put someone’s name on something, and thereby run the risk of that person feeling insulted.
Eventually, someone (not me by the way, because I was too young then to speak up) said, “Enough!” The church came to an agreement to take away all of the little brass plates and to impress upon their members that whatever may have been donated, it was to the Lord and for His glory, not for personal recognition.
The church in Corinth seems to have been challenged in a variety of ways, and perhaps they too felt the need for personal glory when giving, and a lack of desire to give if that glory wasn’t forthcoming. The apostle Paul reminded them of the proper mindset in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifullywill also reap bountifully.Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
God loves those who are cheerful, thankful, and happy to make a difference through sharing what God has blessed and entrusted to them.
In all things at all times, may all we do be to his glory. God blesses and replenishes; He is faithful when we share His love. One thing every mature Christian will gladly say, “you can’t outgive God.” To Him be the glory forever and ever, Amen!
Vern