The Bank of Christ

 




(Work of the Church, Filler article)

Introduction

In Gal. 6:10 Paul writes, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” A Christian is to have compassion on everyone he meets regardless of color, creed, gender, etc. But he is to especially do good to his brothers and sisters in the faith whether they are of his own local congregation or someone doing the work in a third world country.

There are, at times, those who are simply looking for a handout and see the church as a pushover of generosity and will “tug at your heartstrings” with a sob story to gain a couple bucks here or there. Any church has limited funds and it must be utilized to maintain the work where it resides.

 

Professional Bums

Years ago, someone standing on the side of the road looking for a handout was usually someone in real need. Today, however, it seems more and more that people are preying on others kindness by “earning money” pretending to be in need. I once heard of an individual who stood at an off ramp with a sign collecting money and that once he was done, he walked to a new car and drove away.

Others will utilize the local churches, regardless of their beliefs, and rotate from one to another looking to obtain funds creating a sob story of needing gas money to get to the other side of town. Or perhaps a bus ticket because they have a job waiting for them upstate. Or any other number of ideas.

        According to Gal. 6:10 we want to help as many people as possible whether we believe their story or not. If we don’t have any proof their story is fiction, we could be in violation of our conscience that we didn’t help out a fellow human being.

        The Hebrew writer says, “Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb. 13:2, ASV) This statement can mean that we may end up turning down a brother or sister of the faith and not know it until later.


The Church isn’t a Bank

There are some, who are of the faith, who believe that if they are visiting from another congregation; on the other side of the country, that the place they are visiting are obligated to give them money if they are in need. People like this misinterpret Gal. 6:10; thinking that the money will come out of the church treasury to help them as they are a brother or sister in Christ.

The treasury is there specifically to aid those at the local congregation itself and, primarily, to pay the standard operating bills; electric, water, heating/cooling systems, parking lot maintenance, physical building repairs, etc. If a member is in dire need to pay an overdue medical bill is one thing, whereas someone who just needs money get a tankful of gas is another.

As we stated before, the local members should provide what money they can to help someone out and not burden the church (remove from the treasury). Just because one claims they are a member of the faith doesn’t give them access to the church funds. If they are not a member there, then the church cannot use money from the treasury to help them out.


Conclusion

The work of the church is to preach and teach the lost, and edify the saints. We are not required to help every Tom, Dick, and Sherry that comes along looking for a handout. If individuals can assist, let them do so. If one is in need money for a meal, it is better to take them to get a burger than to simply hand them money. That way you know it is being used for the reason they say it is for. Help those in need, but don’t be a doormat to the world.

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