What do you think when I say money over salvation? Are you instantly turned off at the though of how can anyone value money over salvation? My grandmother always used to tell me as a child “only one live; twill soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last.” Isn't that statement impactful? Just think about that for a moment. Are we focusing our works and deeds on Christ or do we have hidden motives behind our agenda?
2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
When we give our money and treasures, does it come from a willing heart or are we guilted into giving our money away? I have been to probably a dozen different churches since I was a child. We church hopped because we could not find the right home for our family. When I was a teenager and old enough to drive myself, I decided to separate myself from my family when it came to church. Seeking out something that I found meaningful. Some flavor that would fit my needs was my motivation for splitting from my family.
I spent the next twelve years in the same church. I eventually go married in the church and had three children in the church as well. As time went on everything was not fine. Things did not seem right, and church felt more like sitting next to the bully at the lunch table at school shaking you down for your money.
Money over salvation is the new message.
Money over salvation became the message every week. All the sermons focused on cheerful giving. Capital campaigns to expand the once humble church into a mega-catastrophe. Letters and constant hounding from leadership in the church to give more. Getting guilted into a corner and seemingly being expected to give up everything and live out of a cardboard box.
I have talked to many new Christians and one of the biggest turn-off's they have with Churches today is the constant demand for money. Some churches are losing their way and turning into a financial institution instead of a salvation establishment.
Churches have to operate with money to be able to survive; I get that. I believe that churches have lost faith when they put money over salvation.
Hebrews 11:6 NASB “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
If Churches truly have “faith,” they would put the worry of finances in God's hands.
I have since left my old church and have found a new place to call my church family. A place where I have never heard a sermon of giving money. Never having an offering plate thrown in my face and never receiving letters guilting me to give everything to the Church. Being in a church environment free of money over salvation with the focus on God got me off the roller coaster of guilt. The new change brought me closer to God's word.