Church Collection Agency?

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 2 Corinthians 9:5

Wow – what a bold statement by Paul. He’s sending the church’s collection agency to prepare the people for the gift they promised. Could you imagine that in your church?
I could just see it – one Monday afternoon the board of elders or some other group in the church shows up at your doorstep and says, “Hello – we’re here just to remind you of your pledge to the church and to let you know that our collections department will be showing up in a week to collect that amount. Be joyful and remember your gift is to the Lord.”
This is a bit of an exaggeration I know. But that’s kind of the message that Paul is giving here. He is sending an entourage of people ahead of him so that they are prepared to give their big gift. He doesn’t want them to be caught off guard. He wants them to be joyful and generous with their gift.
We’re not sure what the gift is and it really doesn’t matter – the point of Paul’s message is about the heart! I’m astounded by the number of people in churches across the country that feel like they have to participate and support the mission of church because it’s their duty. That’s no fun! As a pastor I can’t even do that. I’ll never give to church or participate in its ministry because I have to! There’s no joy in a mandate!
That’s why in the New Testament we hear that Jesus fulfilled the laws for us perfectly. Now we’re not bound by the mandate any longer! We’re not forced to support and participate. Now it’s an invitation. It’s a part of our faithful response in worship. So rest easy – we’re not sending out the collection agency! On the contrary we’re celebrating the generosity of our God! We’re celebrating how great God has been to us and how he collected our debts from Jesus on the cross. Now we are free to reflect that same generosity through our participating in worship, our gifts and offerings, our time spent in the word, and our witness given in our own little mission fields. Be generous today – not because I said so but because Jesus was generous to you!
Prayer
God we come before you today to collect your mercies and grace! Thank you for collecting our debts from Jesus. Help us to reflect your attitude of generosity as we worship you today wherever we go! AMEN.