“June 21, 2024 - We Aim at What Is Honorable”

Thursday, June 20, 2024

We Aim at What Is Honorable

Reading:  2 Corinthians 8:16-24
    
    Even Paul’s travel plans are shot through with rich spiritual meaning.  The basic facts of this section are that Paul is sending Titus and two brothers who will collect this money and be part of the delegation to take it to Jerusalem.  Yet Paul begins by thanking God:  “But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you”(2 Cor 8:16).  God is responsible for Titus’ great care for these people (see 7:13-15), which is motivating him to do this errand.  The other two brothers are mysterious characters whom Paul does not name.  The first is “the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel” who has also been ”appointed by the churches to travel with us”(2 Cor 8:18, 19).  Everyone knows this brother because of his good work and other churches (such as those in Macedonia) have entrusted their money to him.  The second is “our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters”(2 Cor 8:22).  Paul vouches for this man as trustworthy as well.

    So why does Paul take all of this trouble about the collection?  “We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man”(2 Cor 8:20-21).  He wants everyone to know that all his actions are above board.  Paul is not getting rich here.  This is not a scheme.  He wants all the churches to be comfortable and confident.  He also knows that this mission is “for the glory of the Lord himself”(2 Cor 8:19) and that these men are “messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ”(2 Cor 8:23).  Jesus’ own glory is at stake.

    Christians should welcome transparency in all matters, particularly financial matters.  The money scandals Paul was on guard against in the New Testament era occur much more frequently today.  Can others trust us in money issues?  Are we consistently demonstrating—perhaps even in ways that are inconvenient—that everything is above board with the way we handle our affairs?

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One Thing to Think About:  Have I thought about what is honorable with regard to my money, work, and family?

One Thing to Pray For:  A heart that welcomes transparency
 

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