Giving: Poor Pastors
Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:16 (ESV)
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15 (ESV)
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Romans 16:18 (ESV)
I can't say my pastors are poor pastors, but they don’t look (or live) like rich people. No mansions, fancy cars, or shows of wealth.
In considering the early churches, the Apostle Paul was a poor pastor. His Epistle to the Philippians* was written from a prison cell in Rome. He deeply desired this excellent church to stay united and focused on Christ: to shun false prophets seeking false profit.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
False prophets and money-focused shepherds (big-talking pastors, leaders, and teachers) are the gravest danger Christians will face.
Both Testaments warn us REPEATEDLY of these wily wolves prowling for power. Some saints think the biggest risk is Satan, who IS at the root of evildoers.
BUT… when evildoers dress like sheep– and speak ‘Great swelling words of emptiness’ (2 Peter 2:18)… (as big-talking pastors are prone to do), naive flocks are too easily misled!
The shocking truth? “Prosperity preachers” don’t understand what wealth is and is NOT! They’ve forgotten their Model is Jesus.
‘Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me' ' (Matthew 16:24).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
CAREFULLY consider whom you follow. If the pastor of the church you attend doesn’t seem to love the perks of power, but DOES love and share the Book of power, and DOES walk in simple humility, let’s both praise God! You've found a good shepherd!
As ambassadors in public places, refuse to look rich. This advice isn't very popular, nor do many Americans live it. But you're in a place to do something new. If you give fans a better example, then maybe riches won't be their main goal.
What an intriguing consideration:
Could your good example in media be the most powerful gift you can give? Not just to people, but also to God?
Giving: Poor Pastors (Part 10)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* Philippians 1:15-17 (NASB): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil+1%3A15-17&version=NASB