Wolves of the Cloth

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

            

           Many people have been led astray from God due to WOLVES in the pulpit. These people have encountered serious hurts from those who were “supposedly” set in place to lead them and help promote their growth in Christ. Instead of being the example that the children of God were able to look at, they were the ones who turned them against the church altogether and in many of cases, against God. In their minds, they believe that if a God could allow a leader to take advantage of His children, then this is the type of God that is not worth serving.

            What would make people decide that they do not want to come to church and in some cases serve God altogether? Could it be that the image of the church has been distorted by men and women of God right up in the pulpit? Could it be that “preachers” of the gospel have turned God’s church into a mockery? Could it be that the excessive spending on lavish lifestyles, womanizing, hypocrisy and the desire for Hollywood stardom has turned many would-be-saved Christians running to the fastest exit that they can find? Has the desire for secular worship houses, which blends into the mainstream, caused the word of God to be watered down to the point where church is more like a Golden Globe’s Award Show instead of a House of Worship? Is it that the outward display of prideful living has caused many who would give to the ministry of God to shrink back due to misuses of God’s funds? 

            All of the above are very probable scenarios, which are taking place every day. God has become the mockery of many so-called leaders of the gospel and God is not pleased with the way they are turning souls who would be for Him—against Him. It is a sad day when preachers feel comfortable with the misrepresentation of God because they want to fit into the Hollywood “norm.”  What would Jesus say and do if He were here on Earth about this? Could you see Jesus being on the TV lineup for Preachers of LA, So You Think You Can Preach, Preach and other reality shows? Would Jesus have His huge gold chain, fancy car, mansion house, and Armani suits available for the world to see? Would Jesus have His choice of women to sleep with and have the gospel compromised? Would Jesus dishonor His Father for the fame of the world?

            Mathew 4:8-11 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV) Jesus had a chance to get caught up into the things of the world, but he did not allow the devil to take him there. Satan was offering him the chance of fame, fortune, and popularity. Instead, Jesus chose a life humility, poverty, and disapproval among the religious community of his day. As a matter of fact, Jesus was so against what the church had become in his day that he drove them out in anger. John 2:14-15 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” Jesus did not want his Father’s house to be made a mockery of. God’s house was to win souls and is still supposed to be that way today. Is that being done today or is something else being won over instead? Hmmm…makes one think.

            So this takes me to another point…Money. Why is it that some people do not want to give to the church? Well, we shouldn’t look at it as giving to the “church” but it should be looked at as giving to God. However, due to the misrepresentation, of what the money is being used for legitimately in many churches, has become distorted due to shows like Preachers of LA. Many, who already thought the church is a place of preachers ripping off the poor and elderly, are in their eyes, now being confirmed in front of a world-wide audience. Yes, this is very sad, but is true. Many people have a negative view of the “mega” church. They look at “mega” churches as nothing but “mega” money machines taking from the poor to make themselves rich. The churches with ATM machines, Starbucks Coffee, and the likes of rock bands has given a sour taste in many people’s mouth.

            I have heard countless people say that they don’t go to church because they get tired of preachers always begging for money and taking up countless offerings. They say that if God supplies all your needs then why do you have to “beg” for it at every service. Well, do they have a point? Have we made worship service become more of a begging service? Do we tell people that God will take care of you, but PLEASE oh PLEASE get in the $100, $200 or $1000 line at church because we feel that unless we beg the saints of God, the bills will not get paid? Is this really the message that is being sent? 

            God DOES want us to take care of His house and to give in order for the ministry to go across the world. However, we must be very cautious in not letting our good be evil spoken of. There is nothing wrong with building a nice place of worship. However, when does it become more of Mega Greed instead of Mega Need? If you are winning so many souls that that people are standing up and around the building because you can’t hold them, then that is a GOOD thing. Therefore, it is a MEGA NEED to get a new facility to hold them. However, if you are more concerned with getting on TV, not to spread the gospel, but to become popular, having a new building not because it’s needed, but because it ups your status, and getting more people only to get more money…that is MEGA GREED. In this case, God may still use you for the end results, but BEWARE!!! If your MOTIVES are wrong, you will not lift up your eyes into heaven, but bow your head in hell. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

             One thing people need to understand is that there is a difference in when you just have a preacher of the gospel and when you have a pastor. A pastor will truly be one sent from God who also preaches, but he/she will minister to your soul. They will help you in your Christian walk and you will grow under their leadership. They will teach you the ways of God and therefore, it is up to you to follow as they lead. They will not lead you astray, but will ensure that their sheep are being fed the unadulterated word of God. They will have a concern for you, others and the things of God. If it displeases God, then it will displease them. They are not perfect, but they will strive to be in the excellence of God. If you have this, you have a pastor.

            However, if you are under the leadership of someone who goes against the will of God, self-seeking and self-serving, has a desire to only obtain the things of the world, preaches a good sermon, but doesn’t live it, you may have just a preacher. If his love is more for money than for helping those in need, you may have just a preacher. If you can’t get to him without having to go through his secret service, you may just have a preacher. This is not for those who have large congregations where they have to delegate duties…this is needed because a pastor can’t do it all, but you get the point. If you can’t shake his/her hand unless there’s money in it, you may just have a preacher. I hope you get the point.

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

            Just remember to follow God’s voice. He will never lead you astray. Do not stop giving to the cause of God just become “some” may not be doing the will of God. In the end, they will pay for their wickedness, but you have the obligation to help souls be saved. Giving is required in order to receive the blessings from God. A tight fist isn’t open to receive. Make sure to always help others and God in turn will bless and reward you not always with money, but in health, peace and most of all spiritually. There are pastors all across the world that are living and doing what God will have them. Do not let a “few” discourage you from doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord. God rewards those who come earnestly before Him and seek His face. Stay faithful, do not be discouraged, and ALWAYS do what is right.