FREEBIES
CULTURE IN CHURCHES
The one word which
has become a mantra amongst Business people and politicians in the modern days is
‘FREE’. This one word is
knowingly or unknowingly attracts everyone into a trap.
What is astonishing
is that this has become a fashion in many churches also – offering freebies in
the form of:
·
Gifts
to its members through different Fellowships
·
Fellowship
Get together at different locations
While I am in favour
of giving gifts to Children during Christmas and Senior Citizens to honour them
once a year, I am of the opinion that
Church should not spend its money in giving gifts or arranging picnics to its
members. Instead that money can be spent
to those who are in real need, apart from propagating gospel to all.
There is one saying by William Temple “The Church is the
only Society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members”.
I am strongly of the
opinion that the above should be the thinking of every church members’.
Being a member of
the Church, we are benefitted in many ways leaving alone the material gains.
Handling and distribution of the offerings
made to Church:
Paul in
2 Corinthians 8:20-21 says “We want to avoid any criticism of the way
we administer this liberal gift. For we
are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also
in the eyes of the men”.
The Church should
take efforts to assure the contributors that the monies given are used for the
purpose for which it was contributed and avoid criticism.
Alternatives for giving
Gifts and having Get together:
GIFTS:
I agree giving and
receiving gift is a good gesture. The Fellowships can gather its members on a day
- for example any day during December. Each member can bring a gift which can
be mixed and someone can pick a gift and distribute to everyone.
FELLOWSHIPS GET TOGETHER:
I agree fellowship
gatherings at a different place for a day gives opportunity for the members to know
each other and build good relationship.
Yes, the intention is
absolutely right. Leaving alone our home
and official work for a day and spending time with family along with the church family
is welcome but not at the cost of the church money. Instead, we can collect the expenditure
required towards picnic from each member.
I know there are members who cannot afford to pay the money, I am sure each member can contribute a little
more to accommodate them.
To conclude, let us give to receive in Heaven and not in
this world. We are giving only a small
portion of what we receive from the God and let us not hope to get back the
same in some form or other.
Paulraj Samuel
“The Church is the
only Society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members”.
