As a “born again” believer in the Lord Jesus Christ for many years, and a member of the Christian community, I am shocked, saddened, and appalled at what is happening today in the Christian community. Never before has one seen such rampant dishonesty, avarice, excess, greed, and corruption in the Church of Jesus Christ “which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The Church is not “owned” by the pastor. The Church is the “purchased possession” of Jesus Christ, who told Peter “on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Not an edifice of brick and mortar. But an assembly pr congregation of Christian men and women.
Some Church leaders and ministers seem to use the Church as a secular business to make money—and lots of it, and not for God. They rather to live lavish lifestyles at the expense of their parishioners. What about the Scripture that clearly tells pastors, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Firstly, “Pay careful attention to yourselves” and secondly, “to all the flock,” referring to parishioners or members. This is a solemn charge specifically to Church pastors, elders, bishops, or presbyters of the local Church. Also note that these leaders are made overseers by the Holy Spirit of God. Overseers is the collective term for pastors, and those in Church leadership.
It is absolutely no secret. The news media brings it to the fore for public information and scrutiny. Expensive motor vehicles, expensive jet planes, huge mansions, and even yachts to support ridiculously lavish lifestyles. Is there no shame self control? Is there no guilty conscience that says what you are doing is wrong? Church leadership must remain “above reproach,” Especially in Church finances. A thing must not only be right, but it must also look right. “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wondered from the faith … But as for you, O man of God, flee these things” (1 Timothy 6:10,11). Obviously, this does not apply to Church leadership.
Because of whats happening, many people are turned off and have no faith or confidence in the Church. Leaders must essentially be held accountable and realize that the “tithes and offerings” people give are intended specifically for God and not for anyone’s personal bank account and lavish lifestyles.
Can God Almighty be pleased with what’s happening in the Christian community—a body of believers abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ who says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4).
Is there no thought of how others see the Church, not the building, but the “ecclesia,” which is the ”body of faithful Christians” who is in the world but not of the world. Jesus said, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16). Church leaders must uphold the truth of the Holy Scriptures and live exemplary lifestyles so that God will be honored and glorified. Remembering also that Jesus Christ “is the head of the body the Church . . . that in everything He might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:19).
There are those who feel that Churches are only in the business of making money rather than carrying out the Lord’s mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19,20). Note what Jesus is saying, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Does this mean “teaching them to do as I say, but not as I do?” How can God be pleased when His Holy Word is violated?
It is very clear where the emphasis is placed today. “Send in the money, and I will spend it on my chosen way of living.” The huge problem in all of this is the “excess.” Does a pastor need a $20M+ home, and some more than one. And a $200K+ car to live. Has it ever occurred to them that some of those who give are barely making ends meet, working “from paycheck to paycheck?” There is a huge difference between “gimme, gimme,” and “I need.” You can fool some of the people some of the times but you can’t fool all the people all of the time. Here is the loophole, Churches are considered tax-exempt non-profit organizations, and therefore not required to declare their financial status.
Hard working tax payers who honestly pay their taxes every year are more likely to be audited by the IRS while dishonest preachers get away scot free because of the exempt status of their Church. This is a disgrace. Thank God we are not in this world forever. The Lord’s second advent is fast approaching. The Scripture declares, “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20,21).
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us be like Abraham of old of whom the Scripture says, “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Herein lies the Christian’s hope and expectation, living in a sinful and corrupt world.