When I started preaching ministry – I saw my so-called mentors were more focused on gain. They would say testimony after testimony about how they received some material gain when they did something. They were more after material – the sign was not only about their material gains but the clothing, watch brands they were after. It’s nothing to choose to go after a renowned brand, but motive.
It was my beginning, they were like idols for me, and I would focus more on the gains when I preach, even I started seeking personal benefits, a source of earning is Christian ministry. I was totally wrong; proof is so-called mentor later found to be greedier on money and materials things. He would value people who give him money and things, and disregard others.
When I started digging into scriptures, I come to know faith is not about my personal gain. Romans 12:3 says “God has allotted to each the measure of faith”. So, it’s given freely, not based on our merit. In another place Matthew 10:8 ‘Give as freely as you have received!’.
I heard someone say – there was a prophet in the country came from outside. He was charging $300/person to prophecy something. Isn’t that ridiculous? This is how Christianity has been ruined. Even a slight expectation of material gain for a preacher or prophet, it’s opposite of what Jesus said in Matt 10:8. Of course we cannot disregard another verse that says – “those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14). However, it should be in balanced way. Nothing wrong with receiving gifts from believers, but proportion matters, motive matters, and where that gain goes to matters.
When we look at Jesus – during his earthly ministry, there were many people, especially ladies who supported him financially, and also served him by making foods. However, he never used that money or supports for his personal benefits. Judas Iscariot was the one who was treasurer of Jesus. We read that when Jesus asked Judas leave quickly, his disciples thought he is sending him out to buy something for poor or buy foods (John 13:29). That shows that was the practice Jesus was doing for months and years.
We read in Matthew 15:36-38 Jesus was able to do miracle to feed 4000 men alone, and rest women and children. He had that power, but the same Jesus, when he was being tempted by Devil, who asked Jesus to turn stone to bread, despite of his 40 days fasting Jesus didn’t perform that miracle for him, even though he had power from his father God. It’s true that Jesus didn’t receive any approval from his father to turn stone to bread for himself.
Key point here is, the command was from Devil, and it’s for earthly food for personal gain. Jesus had to disobey first the Devil, and discard using that power for his personal benefit.
What do we learn from this event? When there is something in Faith for personal gain – it’s not from heaven but from Devil or from flesh. And we have to be aware of it. It’s not only for Christian ministers – but for all born again believers.
Who has ears let them hear what Spirit says. Amen!