“You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.” (3 John 6-7)
When people ask for money to help with some project or mission or big need, do you ever wonder about their motives? Are you ever curious if they’re being honest about where the money will go or how it will get spent? It’s okay to wonder.
These guys John is talking about were on a specific mission for Christ that needed funding. They were likely missionaries calling unbelievers (or “pagans”) to repent and turn to Jesus. They didn’t want the people they were trying to reach to have any reason to wonder if they were just manipulating them for cash, so they refused to take a dime from them.
That’s one reason John wanted Gaius and his people to contribute to this mission – to keep there from being any reason to question the motives of the missionaries. Integrity should be the norm among God’s people, even if it costs extra.
Think: Have you ever heard about any Christian leaders who misused money given for their ministries? What do you think that does to our reputations as Christians? Can it harm Jesus’ reputation in the culture?
Pray: Ask God to give you wisdom about how to give your money to men and women for ministry. Ask him to help those churches and ministries to use that money with integrity for the sake of Jesus.
Do: Notice this week what voices you hear talking about or asking for money for various needs in your church, community, and world. Wonder if God wants to use you to contribute to any of those needs.