If uniformity, brotherhood accountability and written guidelines are essential indicators of a godly church, why do we stop with attire? If this way of applying biblical principle is good for shoes and dresses, why not for money? 

Uniformity in dress expresses oneness, we teach. And that accountability is a necessary expression of openness and humility. That having restrictions and guidelines and rules are only good sense, like guard rails and speed limits. 

If so – and I do not dispute this – why not subject our finances to the same restrictions?

The New Testament, especially Jesus, has far more to say about money than clothes. Think of some scriptural references to money and imagine with me some brotherhood agreements we might make. 

“That there may be equality…” 2 Cor 8:14

At the end of each year a leveling meeting might be held where earning inequalities would be addressed and checks written to redistribute wealth.

“It is easier……than for a rich man to enter…” Matt 19:24

We could decide together what constitutes a rich man. Real estate price, cost of living, and family size would be factored in, and we’d decide on an income limit. Brothers would be assured that earning above the limit is perfectly fine, but numbers over the limit would go into the church coffers to be used as the brotherhood saw fit.

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother hath need…” 1 John 3:17

A giving rate or tithe could be agreed upon, and baked into the established income cap.

If accountability is as effective as our frequent use of it indicates, spending could be tracked and recorded. Purchases could be listed and copies passed around at a brothers meeting to subject our financial decisions to each other. Brethren would be encouraged to hold each accountable for our spending. Was that $45 steak really necessary, Brother Matthew? Or that $1500 pair of binoculars, Joshua? 

Or, categories of appropriate purchase limits could be listed. Real estate, vehicles, recreation, vacations. Requests for exceptions could reviewed, and permission given with brotherhood consent.

Are you shaking your head? Me too. But why? If rules and mandatory, specific applications are good for clothes, why not for money? If not for money, why for clothes?