The apostle Paul took up a collection from the churches of Galatia, Macedonia, and Achaia for the poor saints who were in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1-2, Rom. 15:25-26). Knowing that the handling of these funds would provide his opponents with an easy accusation against him and his work, Paul was careful to make sure these funds were handled in the appropriate manner.

In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul took a moment to explain to the Corinthians why Titus and another unnamed brother had come to be in their midst.

"And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us - providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2 Cor. 8:18-21).

We all know that money has a way of bringing out the worst in some people. Because of the importance of maintaining his influence as an apostle (to say nothing of the glory of God or the integrity of the churches who had participated), Paul took the necessary steps to protect his innocence in the handling of these funds. This unnamed brother was chosen by the churches to travel with Paul as he carried this collection to Jerusalem. Paul explains his presence was a necessary safeguard, ensuring that these funds were handled in an appropriate manner. He was careful to provide honorable things (an unquestionably honorable way in which he handled these funds), not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of all men.

All Christians should have the same interest in removing any doubt as to how the Lord's money is handled. Those who are in charge of the church's treasury do both themselves and the local congregation a great favor in providing regular financial statements. When possible, it is wise to have multiple men involved in handling the money (counting, making deposits, etc.). Such will keep everything "above board" and protect the integrity and character of all who are involved.

Although it is not required in the New Testament, gospel preachers can protect their integrity and influence by allowing brethren to know their salary. My salary is indicated in the monthly financial reports which are posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Also, three of the five men whom we support provide an account of the source and amount of their income in their reports, and I am confident that if the elders wanted the information, it would be provided by the other two men as well. While it can be somewhat degrading that I am the only member who's salary is posted in the building for everyone to see (how many of you would post your pay stubs or tax returns on the bulletin board for the members to read??), it does remove the potential for any doubt or accusations to be made regarding my salary. With this doubt removed, the work here at Knollwood can proceed without this unwanted distraction.

This passage has an application that goes much further than the handling of church funds. Just as Paul took great pains to provide honorable things in the sight of God and men, all Christians are duty-bound to provide evidence that we are living honorable lives in the sight of all men.

It is discouraging to see the number of Christians who reject and even despise the notion that they are held accountable by others. When one is challenged regarding the appearance of sin in their life, they may respond defensively by claiming that they are a good person and that God knows their heart. While this may sound like a good defense, the Scriptures give no indication that the only thing that matters is what is in our heart. Instead of encouraging the Christian to use the "you can't judge me" defense, the Bible commands the Christian to live in such a way that no accusation can be made against him. We are to live without reproach before all men, not just before God and one's own conscience.

Elders must be blameless (1 Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:6). "Blameless" does not require that one never sin, but that one purposely strive to live his life in such a way that an accusation of sinful behavior cannot be made to stick. That is, he is to live his life in such a way that there is nothing "sticking out" which one can grasp and thus make an accusation against him. Furthermore, he is to "have a good testimony among those who are without" (outside of) the church (1 Tim. 3:7). Elders cannot use the "you don't know what is in my heart" excuse. Like all Christians, they must prove their righteousness by their conduct.

Later in the same epistle, Paul taught that the younger widows were to "marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (1 Tim. 5:14). Such instructions were necessary because some younger widows were becoming idle, gossips, and busybodies. Instead of succumbing to such temptations, these young women were to be careful to conduct themselves in such a way that no one could make any serious charge against their behavior and character.

Are elders and young widows the only two individuals that need to be careful of their conduct and influence upon others? Of course not. This principle applies to all Christians.

Jesus said that His disciples are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14), which means that our lives are going to be seen and scrutinized in the midst of a dark world and a perverted generation. Knowing that our lives are on display, and that such is to bring glory unto God, we must be all the more careful that we live our lives in such a way that we provide honorable things in the sight of God and men. It does matter how we live.