Fencing the Offering Plate

I recently saw a feller refer to the story of Ananias and Sapphira as an example of those who bring offerings in an unworthy manner, what with the way they were lying to the Holy Spirit and all. Clearly, the Bible is teaching that the giving offerings unworthily is a dangerous thing, and we should therefore warn parents in church not to give their small children any nickels or quarters to put into the offering plate, lest they do so unworthily and incurr wrath on themselves. Rather, the small child should be fenced from the offering until he has been interviewed by the Elders of the church who will be able to see if he can give an account of himself and if he can really discern his own heart with enough self-critical introspection in order to know whether there is any deceit down in there somewhere. Only after the Elders have determined that the child has reached an age of accountant-ability, should he be allowed to participate in the offering. It is our job as the brothers and fathers of the church to protect our children from unworthy participation.

(In case you are wondering, this post is really advocating young-child participation in the Eucharist.)