When is enough, enough is a question some Church leaders must ask themselves. Religion is a very lucrative business these days. Some Church pastors have made themselves extremely wealthy from the tithes and offerings that Church members give. In some cases, as much as tens of millions of dollars. Perhaps these religious leaders’ net worth is comparable to what some CEOs in corporate America make.
In addition to the ongoing money they take, some pastors own private planes, Rolls Royces and other expensive motor cars, yachts, multi-million dollar homes or mansions, and the list goes on ad infinitum. It is reported that members of a megachurch in America are leaving because of their pastor”s dishonest wealth.
The question is, are these so-called Church leaders really “spreading the true gospel,” which is the good news “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scripture, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). One wonders how many of these pastors really believe in the true gospel that the Scriptures teach.
The theme of sermons these wealthy pastors preach is mainly about material prosperity, trusting God for financial gain, and physical well-being.
Here is what the Bible teaches Church pastors are required to do. “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you, not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2,3).
The flock of God refers to members of the local Church. “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you” means pastors must nurture, guide, and care for Church members. And do so willingly, and not for shameful gain, but with a ‘prepared’ mind, being examples to Christians in your charge.” Shameful gain is money obtained in a sinful, corrupt, and dishonorable way. This is precisely what’s happening in some Churches today. The holy Scriptures are being violated for greed and personal wealth.
The text also states, “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4). The chief Shepherd is the Lord Jesus Christ. Upon His return, pastors who are obedient to Biblical truth will be rewarded with the “unfading crown of glory.” The crown of glory will be handed to pastors who shepherd the flock of God in a dedicated, honest, and faithful way as God requires.
Are these dishonest pastors aware of Biblical teaching? Do they accept it as the authority of holy Scripture. God requires total obedience. The Lord Jesus is the sole Head of the Church. The pastor is the under-shepherd who is accountable to the Head of the Church. Church leaders must accept and comply with the Lord’s instructions in executing their pastoral duties and responsibilities under His leadership and directions.
The Scripture clearly declares, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Are these pastors aware?
It is the love of money, and not the money in itself that is a root of all kinds of evils. Such love leads to greed and craving, resulting in disobedience to God’s truth. The word craving means ‘a strong desire for something.’ Money must not be the motive or inspiration for pastors to serve the Church of Jesus Christ who “loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25).
The Church is the ‘body’ of born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and not the building where Christians meet for spiritual activities. Christ did not die for a building.
The Lord Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money,” (Matthew 6:24). It is not possible to serve God and money for the reasons Christ has started. Pastors with a craving for money have wandered away from the faith, and chosen instead to serve money and not the God of the Scriptures.
How can such pastors with clean consciences appear before their congregations week after week and truthfully preach God’s Word when they are actually in violation of the very same Word? Perhaps it is “do as I say, but not as I do.” There seems to be no moral sense of what is right and what is wrong?
Here is God’s solemn warning: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Bible also says, “But what we are is known to God.” (V. 11). A word to the wise should be sufficient.