“Living Sacrifices”?

Perhaps no greater sham has been foisted upon Christendom by the devil than the idea that no authority from God is required in religious matters—most particularly in the area of giving. Christianity finds its foundation in the sacrifice of our Lord: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

What better motivation to induce Christ’s disciples to give bountifully than the example of the One whom we claim to follow? Yet, many claiming to be Christians, are robbing God continually (Malachi 3:8; Ephesians 4:28; Romans 2:21; 13:9).

Financial schemes meant to support the works of the church were invented to circumvent God’s authority. Schemes such as Rummage Sales, Garage Sales, and Cake Sales, as well as Dinners, Raffles, Red Pot Bell Ringers, and Fair Booths, are all asking for community donations. Renting out portions of the church building for secular use and similar ideas do nothing to help the individual Christian cultivate the God-ordained way of giving, and in reality, they cripple spiritual growth. How can one be a “living sacrifice,” knowing that others (non-Christians) will be called upon to give?

Many reason that these things are harmless because the money goes to God’s cause. But how is God glorified in a process that violates His will? Is there anything wrong with having a dinner? No, not in and of itself, as long as it’s free. The same thing with a Rummage or Garage sale that gives its items away without cost. The yearly Red Pot Bell Ringers take credit for the good they do with the money received from the world, yet their members provide nothing—other than the labor [a clear violation of God’s way of giving]. In reality the Salvation Army does not even provide the labor, but they hire outside their church to raise money, with no glory for God.

Then one of the more common ways of raising money is the ever-popular raffle (gambling). Gambling is justified as innocent entertainment, providing a good source of revenue. Local businesses take part by donating some item—perhaps even a car, motorcycle, big screen TV, etc. Raffles are a good source of revenue; otherwise, businesses, governments, and denominations would not be promoting its use. There is no authority to create such an event, let alone take part in it.

Does the Bible specifically state, “Thou shalt not gamble”? It is mentioned no more than, “Thou shalt not use drugs,” “Thou shalt not speed,” or, “Thou shalt not use tobacco.” But the principles are implied throughout the Word of God. Christians are commanded to be ‘faithful stewards’ of everything God has put into their care (1 Peter 4:10; Luke 12:42; 1 Corinthians 4:2) because all things belong to God (Psalm 50:10-12; Job 41:11).

Gambling violates the second greatest law—to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” which would never work ill to one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:10). Gambling of every sort promotes stealing from the “hard luck” of our neighbors, and violates our duty to look out for the welfare of others over our own (1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:3-4).

In short, the devices of men destroy God’s way of supporting the work of the church. We are commanded to give upon the first day of every week as we have prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). We are to give liberally, and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:5-7). In so doing, our love for our fellowman is demonstrated (2 Corinthians 8:13-24).

We are required to have Bible authority in everything we believe, teach, and practice (Colossians 3:17). If there is no favorable word from God on a subject, then it is sin if we choose to do it anyway (Romans 14:23; 10:17). Giving as God authorizes us to give will assist us in spiritual growth as well as helping to be true “living sacrifices.”

—From the Heartland Herald in Mexico, Missouri (January 30, 2022; contains minor edits).