The church only wants people’s money and obedience.
The Devotional Answer
The devotional truth is that this critique is sometimes tragically true of corrupted human institutions, but it is a radical misunderstanding of the true purpose of the Church. The true Church is the body of Christ (Question 15), founded on a sacrifice—Jesus giving His life and blood for us—not on us giving our money and forced compliance.
The Church exists to give to the world: to preach the good news of salvation, provide comfort to the hurting (Question 63), and show the world God’s extravagant grace.
When a church demands money or blind obedience, it has exchanged the gospel of grace for a gospel of performance. The standard for a Christian is not blind obedience but joyful surrender, and not forced payment but cheerful generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The Simple Answer
The truth is that every healthy church needs financial resources to operate (pay staff, maintain buildings, fund missions) and requires obedience to the teachings of Jesus.
However, the difference between the biblical call and the cynical critique is the motive:
Biblical Standard: God desires a generous heart and willing obedience driven by love and gratitude for what Christ has already done. Giving is worship; obedience is discipleship.
Cynical Critique: Assumes the church's motive is power and greed, and that its goal is to control people's lives and wallets.
The test of a good church is simple: Do they emphasize grace or demands?
The Deeper Dive
The Bible clearly teaches on both finances and authority, but always within the context of relationship and love.
1. The Biblical Purpose of Giving
The concept of the tithe (10% of income) in the Old Testament was an act of allegiance to God as the ultimate provider. In the New Testament, the standard is less about a fixed percentage and more about cheerful, sacrificial generosity:
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
When a church handles finances properly, money is used to serve others and proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), not to enrich its leaders. A healthy church is transparent and accountable with its funds.
2. The Biblical Purpose of Obedience
The Bible calls Christians to submission, but always to Christ first, and then to church leaders who are themselves submissive to Christ (Hebrews 13:17). This submission is rooted in trust, not fear.
Bad Obedience: Blindly following a leader who teaches non-biblical doctrine or demands unholy behavior.
Good Obedience: Voluntarily submitting to leaders who faithfully teach the Bible, model Christ-like character, and help you grow in truth (Ephesians 4:11-13).
True Christian obedience is simply living out the love of God (John 14:15).
3. The Warning Against False Teachers
The Bible itself warns against leaders who exploit followers for financial gain, referring to them as "greedy dogs" and "false prophets" (2 Peter 2:3; Isaiah 56:11). The existence of these bad examples is a clear sign that the critique is valid against corrupt individuals, but not against the institution that Christ founded.
God's Assurance
God assures you that His primary desire is for your heart, not your wallet, and that the grace you received is completely free.
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." — Isaiah 55:1 (NIV)
You are assured that the most valuable gift in the universe—salvation—is freely available to you.
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not let the failure of a few corrupt people define the mission of the true Church. When seeking a church, look for one that makes the free gift of Christ its central message. Give cheerfully because you are grateful for your salvation, and obey willingly because you love the Savior. Your devotion should be to God alone.
