What was the last fundraiser you attended? Maybe you didn’t even attend an event, but instead were solicited on the telephone. Organizations have become very good at getting money out of us. Often, they include a full dinner, drinks, and live entertainment. Once the dinner is complete, an inspirational speaker takes over. The purpose of this speaker is to get you back in touch with your emotions. You know the drill, the speaker gives a testimonial about the great impact that the organization is having on the world. But, he will quickly remind you, the job is not done. If we had just a few dollars more from each of you, we could…
At this point in the evening, you are one of two people. The first is desperate to leave before the commitment cards are passed and the second understands the need. Which are you? Do you reach for the pledge card? One more question. Did you ever give too much?
Maybe you remember the feeling the next day. “Oh no,” you think. How could I have pledged so much? This is when you remember the mortgage payment, the car payment, and the tires you so desperately need for your car. I’m willing to bet that more than one of us has considered reneging on their pledge. I mean, who would know?
Not much has changed in 2,000 years. In today’s reading, we hear Paul challenging the church of Corinth to make good on their pledges. That’s right. At some point, the church heard of the need for the saints in the church of Judea. There was no mistaking it. The generous gifts from the church of Corinth were needed. Just like you, they made a pledge. And no different than us, they were second-guessing their decision.
Paul wisely steps in. Now, at first blush, Paul seems a bit passive-aggressive to me. It comes from the guilt that he incites. How does he do that? First by reminding them of their enthusiastic commitment (v2). Then, he talks of the embarrassment that accompanies not giving what was promised (v4). Do you hear guilt? I do, and I hate it! This is where I have to be careful.
I could very easily get caught up in accusing Paul of being passive-aggressive. If I did, I would then justify why it would be ok for the Corinthians to not fulfill their commitment. Who wins in this scenario? Nobody! Well, maybe Satan.
As is often the case when reading scripture, I must be willing to look at the text with new eyes and an open heart. Do you know what I see when I do that? I see Paul celebrating the eagerness and joy of the Corinthian church (v2). I see Paul praising them for the positive influence they had on the Macedonian church (v2). I see Paul reminding them that the investment they are making will be multiplied many times more than they can imagine (v6). And, I see Paul giving them permission to recalibrate their commitment (v7). Clearly, Paul has a much bigger purpose in mind.
In conclusion, Paul gives us one last reminder. It is our generosity that proves we are obedient to the good news of Jesus Christ. After all, without the generosity of Jesus, we have nothing (v14, 15).