The hand drawn poster was taped to the front window of a grocery store in the far north woods. The words written in magic marker were clear: “Deadbeats who have not paid their bill”. There then followed a list of probably a dozen names of people living in the area who had not paid their bill at the store for some time. The owner had tried to get them to pay in the normal ways but resorted to this, “deadbeat’s list” as a last resort. The public shaming must have helped, because at least two of the names were marked out.
That grocery store in northern Minnesota is not the only place you will find a deadbeat’s list. There are always those who want to enjoy the privileges without paying the price. This “something for nothing” philosophy even appears in the local church.
Paul commended the church in Philippi for their faithful giving to the work of the ministry. Time and time again they contributed to the apostle when he was preaching the gospel on his missionary journeys. While in a Roman prison he received their latest financial gift and told them in Phil. 4:17-19: “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. Their gift was a way they could help Paul in his basic needs and partner with him in the work of the gospel. Their gift was an investment in eternity. Also, their gift was an act of worship that brought a sweet-smelling aroma that pleased the Lord. Since they gave sacrificially to the Lord, they could claim the promise that God would supply all their needs.
How about us? Do we give faithfully a portion of our income to the work of our Lord? A dead church doesn’t cost anything, but a living church needs the sacrificial gifts of God’s people. If your church put up a deadbeat’s list, would your name be on it?
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