“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” I Peter 5:2
Flagrant abuse by prominent ministers and ministries involving millions of dollars has caused many people to distrust Christian ministers and ministries everywhere. The situation makes Peter’s words to overseers required reading for all pastors and ministers. Ministers need to maintain the utmost integrity when it comes to finances.
Peter spoke of dishonest gain, literally “filthy” or “shameful” money. What brings shame is not the money but the greed, which is nothing less than idolatry (Colossians 3:5). No wonder Paul emphatically warned church leaders to beware of using the ministry as a pretext for gain (I Timothy 3:3, 8; 6:3-5; Titus 1:7).
O course, it is not inevitable that ministers should fall to greed. Peter refused Simon’s offer of a bribe in exchange for the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-20). Likewise, Paul frequently refused the financial support to which he had a right as an apostle (I Corinthians 9:7-15).
Do you make your living in the ministry? If so, are you doing so willingly and eagerly, as Peter indicates? If not, why are you in the ministry?
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