The way the church of God was designed to grow is through the generosity of its members. That was how the materials for the soon-to-be-built temple were garnered when David was still king, which was later built during Solomon’s reign (1 Chronicles 29).
If the members of the body are not supporting one another’s cause, then who will? Is it the men who haven’t yet believed in Jesus let alone supporting its advancement?
Maybe you think the responsibility of Kingdom work is the assignment of ministry leaders alone. Or maybe you think there’s a mysterious source where money and resources are being pulled from to fund the building of worship and discipleship centres or missionary trips—there is no special source anywhere! People out of love for God’s work, gave to it.
Consider these scriptural references that talk about giving to God’s people and God’s work:
- So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers]. —Galatians 6:10
Here, a spotlight on generosity towards all but specifically to those in the kingdom—fellow believers, because how can we say we are one body in Christ but do not care for one another?
Charity, they say, begins at home.
- And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. —Matthew 10:42
“A cup of cold water” is symbolic. It could mean different things. It could mean giving money, clothes, or rendering physical assistance to a fellow brother or sister. And a sure reward is even attached!
- For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me.
And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me. — Matthew 25:35-36, 40.
Any act of kindness you show towards any believer—boy, girl, man, woman, young, adult, anyone at all—you are doing it to God, not the person.
Jesus isn’t here physically with us. Hence, the only way we can show our kind gesture towards him is by doing it to His children.
- Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. — 1 Corinthians 9:13-14
In simple terms, those who are full-time missionaries should get their support from the church. Who are the church? You, me, and all of us who have believed on the Lord are His disciples.
