Cheaters of the Unfortunate

James 5:1-6 ⁽¹⁾Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. ⁽²⁾Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. ⁽³⁾Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. ⁽⁴⁾Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. ⁽⁵⁾You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. ⁽⁶⁾You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you. (NIV)

        Every day on national television, radio, and local churches, there is a call from pastors around the world to plant into their ministries. The need is great and they are not bashful in letting you know that you will be blessed as a result of your faithful giving by means of tithes, offerings and other donations. In order to do the Great Commission, it requires the faithfulness and generosity of those who are willing to plant sacrificially into the ministry. Failure to do so would mean that the work would be slower to get accomplished and the needs of many would be unmet. However, there is a fine line in furthering the work of the gospel and requesting funds for selfish gain. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)

 

Many people are shamed into giving for fear that they will not be blessed by God. Others have left the church altogether due to various scandals that they have either seen at their own church, or heard in the media with regards to the misappropriation of funds given to various ministries, by those who are poor and on fixed incomes. However, God talks about this in His word. Isaiah 56:10-11 ⁽¹⁰⁾Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. ⁽¹¹⁾They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain. (NIV)

God does not condone any ministry who would take away from the poor to make themselves rich. When we give, we are to do so unto the Lord and those monetary gifts are to be used to further the work of the gospel. Is the pastor to be paid? Yes! 1 Timothy 5:17-18 ⁽¹⁷⁾The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ⁽¹⁸⁾For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” (NIV) It is quite alright for pastors to be paid for the work that they do so they can devote their time and energy to the things of God. However, those who live in excess must ask themselves the honest question of would God approve. 

The Apostle James lets us know that we are never to take from the poor for selfish gain. It does a disservice to the cause of God. To cheat those out of what is due them rather it be on the job, personal lives, or in the body of Christ is not acceptable to God. God desires for us to be fair in all our dealings with each other. This is why God gave the commandment for us not to steal. Stealing comes in many forms and to cheat those who are less fortunate out of their money, or to deny wages to those who have earned it is another form of stealing.

As a follower of Christ, we must treat others as we would have them to treat us. Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (NIV) Give graciously to God, for indeed He will bless you, but ensure that your dealings with your brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the unsaved, honors Him, so that He will receive the glory.