Collection For The Saints In Jerusalem

II Corinthians 8:16–24
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One of the things in Christian circles that tends to be done in a careless manner is stewardship or 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. Especially in financial matters, the apostle is very much aware of his vulnerability to criticism. 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 group needs to be burdened 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 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?