“I Paid For This Seat!”

Have you ever seen a situation whereby someone in the church body feels like they own a particular seat because they give a certain amount of money to the church on a regular basis? They may not say it in words, but their attitude shouts at you if you should happen to be the one sitting in “their” seat. This happens all the time. Some people actually believe that because they have money and give it to the church that they are entitled to special perks; like their own seat in church or their own parking space.


In my opinion, that’s not the worst part. The worst part is that some members who hold leadership positions within the church allow it to happen. To keep these “special” member(s) happy so that they will continue to give on a regular basis, leadership will sometimes forsake other members who can’t give what these particular members give. This type of behavior has to be acknowledged and dealt with in an appropriate manner. It can leave scars in the hearts of those forsaken less fortunate members who may desire to give more, but can’t.

Leviticus 19:15 - Always judge your neighbors fairly, neither favoring the poor nor showing deference to the rich.

I am from the school of thought that says we are all equal when it comes to the cross. We all need it the same. No one person is more worthy of the free gift that the cross holds than someone else.

James 2:8-9 – Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: “Love you neighbor as yourself.” But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.

Just remember that we all need Jesus. Money doesn’t make you special in His sight. Remember, He owns everything. We are only stewards over what He has allowed us to have. Remember, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. There is nothing under the sun that you have that He didn’t give to you.

If you are someone who believes they should get special perks because you give more money, look up at Jesus dying on the cross for your sins and remember the blood that cleanses you also cleanses me and everyone else who do not walk in your shoes.

God Bless you.