Are automatic withdrawals for contributions biblical?
Question:
Would you help me understand if automatic withdrawals from your bank account for the first day of the week collection are biblical?
Seeing people place money in the tray that is passed around, I think, incites others, especially children. I love seeing a child place some money in the tray.
When I am attending another church due to travel, I contribute double the next Sunday at the church that I am a member of. If, however, I use automatic withdrawal, the money would go in on each Sunday.
Thanks so much for all that you all do!
Answer:
We need to remember that it is the fulfilling of God's commands that is what is important. We can't base our conclusions on our traditions, even when our traditions are accurately fulfilling the commands.
"On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come" (II Corinthians 16:1-2).
A collection is to be taken each first day of the week. That money is put aside to be used to accomplish the Lord's work as the needs arise.
Automatic or electronic withdrawals would still accomplish this purpose if they can be done on the first day of the week. Unfortunately, many banks don't allow transfers on the weekends. If your bank allows you to schedule the transfer on Sundays, then the command is fulfilled, even if the actual transfer takes place a day or two later (which is what happens when checks are used for contributions).
Response:
Thanks so much.
