Read and pray: "Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering; from every man whose heart moves him to do so you shall receive My offering." (Exodus 25:2)
HOW TO KNOW THE ISSUES
In our contacts with people, we need to discern the issues. Although we do not interfere in matters that do not concern us, we must not neglect the matters that involve us. Therefore, we need to learn to discern the facts. However, our learning must be gradual, not rushed. When learning to understand situations, several points require our attention.
First, behind each situation there is a person. When the person is right, the situation itself is almost always right. For this reason, we must always know who is at the origin of each situation. We need to know the cause, the sponsor, of the situation. If there is a problem at the source, there will be problems even if the situation seems right. We need to get to the bottom of each issue.
Second, we need to know the motivation behind the issue. Someone may donate ten thousand dollars just to gain the approval of others. Another may make the same offering simply because others criticized him for not offering. The motivation is wrong in both situations. We must pay attention to others' motivation.
This does not mean that everything else is right when the motivation is right. We also need to know whether the nature is right. For example, a brother who desires something inappropriate may receive help from another brother. Although the brother who helps may be motivated by love, the object of his help is not appropriate.
Third, even if the nature is correct, we need to know whether the way of executing it is right. For example, a brother who wants to offer ten thousand dollars may simply bring the money to us. We should help him understand that this is not the right way to make the offering. He should place the money in the offering box. We should teach him to pray in order to know the needs of the church. Then he will see that his offering is not directed to an individual or a single purpose. We can teach him about this by sharing with him. When he puts himself before the Lord, the church will be built up. On one hand, we should not simply think that a ten-thousand-dollar offering is something wonderful; on the other hand, we should not reject it carelessly. We must learn the best way to handle this matter and be attentive to the results.
Fourth, we need to know what the result of each situation will be. The way something is done may be good, but the consequence may not. If the effect is not good, the matter should no longer be addressed. Here is a brief outline. The administration of the church, the ministry of the word, and the visiting of the saints must be carried out according to these considerations. If we practice this, it will be easy to discern the issues.
When we discern them in this way, we build up rather than damage the church. Therefore, we need to learn to know the source and the nature of the issues so that we may find the appropriate way to deal with them for the building up of the church.
If there is a problem with the one who is offering, we must help him with regard to his person. If he has the wrong motivation, we must help him. If there is a problem with the way something is carried out, with its result or effects, we must not ignore the problem or treat it lightly, because it may have an impact on the building up of the church. We must help the brother with the appropriate correction, help, and teaching. This will bring edification to the church.
If we handle the issues carelessly or negligently, we will miss the opportunity to build up the church. We need to understand every issue that comes to us and take the opportunity to instruct and teach those involved. This will also build up the church. If the saints can receive our help regarding the matter of material offerings, they will be genuinely built up. They will also be built up as part of the church.
In our work and service, we need to be aware that being proud makes no sense, and considering ourselves inferior is even worse. There is no value in thinking we are always right; nor is there value in thinking we are always wrong. Both attitudes are wrong and unworthy. Whenever we face a person or issue, we need to learn to know the person’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the source and nature of the issue. In this way, we will know how to help the person be built up in the church; we will also know how to handle the situation. This is building up.
Enjoy more: Hymn 214
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