On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. I Cor. 16: 2 NRSV
Paul gives very specific advice on how to raise the money to help the poor in Jerusalem.
1) Do this at the beginning of the week (Sunday). If you wait until the end of the week, you know you will have spent it all. If you begin the week and set some aside, then you will not have to scrape something together later. And do this every week. A little each week can really add up.
2) Each person is to make this part of their weekly tasks. This is not a group effort. Individuals decide how much they are going to give each week. Then the money is pool together.
3) Save what extra you earn. Sure you have to pay bills and put food on the table. But what if you have a really good week? Then the following week you have that extra to put aside for the needy.
4) Plan ahead. With each person doing this every week and all the money being put together, you will have the offering ready when it is needed.
Paul never gives an amount. Paul gives guidance in how to be prepared for when he comes. He trusts that God will provide and if everyone does as Paul suggests, the amount will be bigger than anything he could have asked for from the church at Corinth.
God, you have asked us to give. Help us to follow Paul's advice in how to set aside money for the poor and for your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The fountains at Corinth, 2009.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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