Individual and Collective Action
"If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows." {1 Timothy 5:16} This passage demonstrates the very clear distinction between an individual's duty and the church's responsibility.
| Who Individual Relieve widows. |
How Means and Methods -- "Details" Care Food Clothing Shelter |
Who Church Relieve "widows indeed." |
Two Treasuries -- Acts 5:4
| Individual | Local Church |
| Funded by honest labor -- Ephesians 4:28 | Funded by freewill offering -- 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 |
| Oversees own funds -- Acts 5:4 | Overseen by local elders -- Acts 11:30; Titus 1:7 |
| Contributes liberally -- 2 Cor.9:6-7 | Preaches the Gospel -- 2 Corinthians 11:8 |
| Pays taxes -- Romans 13: | Edifies the saints -- Philippians 4:15 |
| Provides for family -- 1 Timothy 5:8 | Provides for needy saints -- Acts 4:32-34 |
While we have the money, it is ours to use in a godly manner, for whatever we decide. Once we give it to the Lord, the Lord has authority over how it can be spent. Over the years, some brethren have argued that: "Whatever the individual does -- the church can also do." Why? "The church is comprised of individuals." How far do we wish to go with this concept? I can buy bonds, stocks, and land; and I can venture into the stock market. Can the church do these things? I can buy life insurance; can the church? It is perfectly honorable to invest my money for profit. Is the church in business to make a profit? Why is the church exempt from paying taxes? Do you see the difference?