Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collection will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me  (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

As Paul heads into the final portion of his letter, he starts wrapping up the miscellany. He’s going to talk logistics about his travel plans, make sure he gets his greetings in, and generally tie this massive epistle up with a bow. The first detail Paul covers is the collection for Jerusalem. The believers in Jerusalem were having it rough. Between a food shortage and a persecution surplus, they were in need, and their brothers and sisters in Corinth were going to help.

You know, Beloved, what I think I like best about this passage is that Paul has a plan. This isn’t a panicky, emotion-laden response to an emotional plea. It is a well considered strategy that checks some important boxes:

It is specific–the folks in Jerusalem needed food and basic supplies, and the Corinthians are going to help supply that need.

It is orderly–the Corinthians would give to the fund weekly, allowing them the time to pray and plan how much they would give.

It is above-board–there is accountability here. The Corinthians would send the money through people they trusted, who would be able to see that it was delivered to the right people in the right way.

Money doesn’t always solve problems, but in this case it could. The believers responded to the need and gave generously and wisely. It’s an example for us all to follow.

On a completely unrelated topic, I could really use a new car…

Happy Thursday, Beloved