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Care for the Christian community. “Honor widows who are widows indeed” (1 Timothy 5:3). The directive Paul gave for “widows indeed” concerns those who have no family to support them. Therefore, the burden of support is placed on the church; and the church is to supply their needs.
How many churches really do that today? How many congregations in the United States have, as a regular part of their budget, money to supply the needs of Christians in their church who cannot make their own way? That applies to those who are temporarily out of work, to the injured or disables, and to the elderly.
I believe it is an abomination before God to see widows in the Christian community depending on welfare for support. If they are qualified and have established themselves accordingly, it is a direct requirement from God to the church to care for them.
Here is also the key to where our tithe goes. In God’s plan, the church is to administer the tithe and distribute it to the needs of the body. Unfortunately, not all churches adhere to this plan. I believe that if a church observes God’s plan, both teaching His Word and administering His money, then al of the tithe should be placed in its care. However, if the church ignores its physical responsibilities, then each Christian must vote his own conviction. Under no circumstances can the qualified needy be ignored. Christ gave this admonition to the Pharisees in Matthew 15:5-6: “But you say, ‘Whoever shall say to his father or mother, “Anything of mine you might have been helped by has been given to God,” he is not to honor his father or his mother,’ And thus you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.”
As long as you receive teaching from the church you must provide the needs of its workers. If the church does not understand God’s plan, you should work diligently to help them do so. If you find a closed attitude in this area, I would recommend changing to a place of worship compatible with your commitment where you can entrust God’s wealth.
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