Provide Things Honest In The Sight Of All Men

II Corinthians 8:16-9:5

In the early part of 2009, public figures have been accused of corruption at an unprecedented rate in the United States. Many of those accused are accountants and lawyers, as well as political figures. They have been entrusted with caring for other people’s money, and are in some cases making the rules. Bernie Madoff made off with billions of dollars. Others have mad off with less, but nearly all had accountants and regulations that were supposed to prevent such theft.

The best protection is the integrity of the person entrusted. That integrity will only be detected by watching the person over a period of time in various situations. Even honest men can be tempted when exposed to temptation repeatedly. Paul is sending a man chosen by the church, known for his stand to the people so that there can be no question as to whether Paul may have misused the money. He is accompanied by Titus, who has been demonstrated repeatedly to be faithful. Neither is predisposed to cheat, and the use of more than one decrease likelihood of theft. A Spiritual attitude demands that people have reason to trust. It also recognizes the human nature.

“But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” (II Corinthians 8:16-23)

Love is not a spur of the moment feeling, but a consistent commitment to others over time, characterized by the attributes described in I Corinthians 13. Paul had instructed the church at Corinth to collect their offerings in advance in I Corinthians 16:1-2. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

There are some definite advantages to this. Rather than giving out of emotion, people can give in genuine love for the person. They have time to decide how much they want to give and plan so that they do not run themselves short in other areas. This prevents feelings later that they wish they could have given more, and regrets that they ran themselves short. It usually results in greater gifts, and in greater care as to where the gifts are given, that they are pleasing to God. As I look back at the churches I visited on deputation, I see how wise Paul’s instruction is. The quick emotional response seldom produces a long term commitment. The planned giving shows real love.

“Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.2co 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up before hand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.” (II Corinthians 8:24-9:5)

Genuine love produces a commitment to consistent action. This is true in giving, in service, in marriage or in any other area. Jesus said that those who insist on the spectacular moments have no commitment, just lust in Matthew 16:4. “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.”