Christian Living
The first article written on Biblical giving established the foundational principles relevant to a sincere believer’s acts of charity. Giving to those in need with no expectation of return is the true heart condition pleasing to the Lord. But another important aspect of giving is participating in taking the Gospel of Christ to the lost. Jesus declared the world is ripe for the harvest of souls. Who are the true laborers of the Lord will now be considered.
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:1-3) True believers fall under one of two categories when it comes to taking the gospel to the world. One group is sent and the other does the sending. One group is not more important than the other. Both are necessary for the proliferation of the Gospel of Christ and the nurturing of the family of God. Paul and Barnabas were called by the Holy Spirit for a work to be done while Simeon, Lucius and Manaen were called to send them off (support). The Lord calls and anoints both these groups.
The Apostle John, in his letter to Gaius, provides an accurate and definitive portrait of a believer supporting those who were sent. “This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth…..Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. They are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.” (3 John 1:1, 5-8) Notice that providing the needs of those who are sent is being faithful to God. And faithfulness is a necessary trait of the sincere believer. Gaius was encouraged to continue his support in a manner that pleased God. This was a reference to attitude as well as the amount given. Consider Paul’s words to the Philippians concerning financial help. The continual support of him, even as he ministered to other churches, was a sweet-smelling sacrifice, acceptable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:15-18). Commitment adorned the heart of the Philippians as well their faithfulness. Paul reminded the Corinthians regarding their Jerusalem gift, “Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn’t be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) Again the heart attitude of a giver was central to pleasing the Lord. The amount was left to the giver. And he did well to remember that the Lord is a generous God who has given the same generous spirit to his children. John’s final word to Gaius on support acknowledged the partnership created with those sent. This partnership transcends the earthly realm and reaches the throne of God.
Jesus spoke of his deeds and words as the work of his Heavenly Father. He prayed for his disciples who were being sent out into the world just as his Heavenly Father had sent him into the world. (John 17) Paul believed that those sent by the Lord were co-laborers with God, “For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) Paul also called the Philippians his partners in the Gospel, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5) And John confirmed that supporting those who were sent made the sender a co-partner in the labor for and with God. (3 John 1:8) This is important because it equalizes the honor and rewards for faithfulness in taking the Gospel to the world. Both groups are indispensable and pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. No jealousy, envy or strife should ever enter the heart of either one. True believers must be accepting, satisfied and thankful with the Lord’s placing of them in one of these two groups.
In the early church communication was by word of mouth or written correspondence. There were no telephones, computers, television and radio broadcast or any of the modern means of communication available today. Travel back then was time consuming. It was by foot or ship which did not allow for a hurried trip. The pace was slow but the work of Lord did proceed and produce. Today a cross country trip is about 4 hours by air and around the world to the other side in about 12 hours. It could be argued that the modern day means of communication and travel have greatly increased the opportunity to deliver the Gospel of Christ. No doubt this is true. But if wolves among the sheep were an imminent danger in the early church (Matthew 7:15, Acts 20:29, 2 Peter 2:1) with its limited communication and access, then more so today because of the inexhaustible means of communication and swift access available to those intent on devouring the sheep. Therefore, it is vital for those called to send (support) ministries to use discernment in dispensing their assistance. And it is more than just misdirected dollars at stake. Consider the following scene from the first few verses of John 18.
“After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples. The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove. Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. ‘Who are you looking for?’ he asked. ‘Jesus the Nazarene,’ they replied. ‘I Am he,’ Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.)” Do not allow this last statement about Judas go by with little or no thought. The true heart condition and eternal destiny of a professing Christian may well be signified or discovered by whom he stands with, sides with or gives support. In the end Judas stood with those who were against Christ even though he had been chosen as an apostle, preached the kingdom of God and was counted as a friend of Jesus. The Apostle Paul gave this charge to the Corinthians, “Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don’t eat with such people.” (1 Corinthians 5:11) Paul was adamant on not standing with those who are against Christ in his second letter to the Corinthians, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinth 6:14-15) This consideration is crucial for those called to support the work of God.
John issued a warning about standing with those who were opposed to Christ in his second epistle. The Amplified Bible is quoted because it captures the intense and clear danger of supporting or encouraging those who are against Christ. “For many imposters (seducers, deceivers, and false leaders) have gone out into the world…Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full]. Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement. For he who wishes him success [who encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings.” (2 John 1:7-11) A professing believer who supports a minister or ministry that is against Christ partakes of their evil doings. He becomes an enabler of those self deceived ministers, and in so doing, could prevent their repentance or deliverance from greed and covetousness. It is not the preaching of Christ doctrine that is the central issue but abiding in or living that doctrine. Anyone in ministry that has separated themselves from the attitude and practice of Christ’s ministry has taken a stand against him. The Word of God delineates between those who minister in the spirit of Christ and who are the impostors, seducers, deceivers and false leaders. But to discern and thus know who to support requires a heart that is teachable and loves the truth of God. May the Lord fashion and strengthen our hearts to this end.
It is imperative to understand that preaching the Gospel does not guarantee a minister is in good standing with the Lord. Too often it is believed an anointing is God’s stamp of approval on a man. Not so! In 1 Samuel 19 King Saul, now rejected by God, was on a mission to capture David. As Saul approached the village of Naioth in Ramah something happen, “So he went on to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went on he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He took off his royal robes and prophesied before Samuel and lay down stripped thus all that day and night. So they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” God may at times anoint an evil man for the purpose of blessing a righteous man. Anointing Saul to prophesy slowed his pursuit and gave David time to escape. Although others realized the anointing on Saul, yet it was not signifying God’s acceptance or approval of him. Preaching Christ is most often under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But Jesus said many would draw neigh to him by their words but their hearts would be far from him (Mark 7:6). Paul told the Philippians that some preached Christ in pretense, out of envy and rivalry to add grief to his imprisonment. (Philippians 1:14-18) Most disturbing was Paul’s fear of ending up unapproved by the Lord and rejected as counterfeit after having preached Christ all his life. (1 Corinthians 9:27) If this was not possible then why was Paul fearful it could happen? Perhaps the words of Jesus that declared the certainty of this tragic prospect (Matthew 7:21-23) echoed in the heart of Paul throughout his days of ministry. This is not to vilify or minimize the preaching of Christ but to recognize that such is not a guarantee those being supported are truly standing with Christ. Comparing a ministry to the example of Christ’s ministry gives far more clarity and certainty as to who is with or against Jesus. So what does one look for in a minister or ministry that claims to be sent by God to preach the Gospel of Christ?
Two traits regarding finances are of critical importance and were the underpinning characteristics of Christ ministry on earth: entitlement and transparency. These two are separate but joined at the hip. Entitlement necessitates transparency and transparency defends entitlement. A dictionary definition of entitlement is to give a person the right to do or have something. It also can mean the right to guaranteed benefits. Without question the Bible is clear that the laborer is worthy of his hire (Luke 7). Paul wrote Timothy that church elders who work hard at preaching and teaching should be compensated well. (1Timothy 5:17-18) He made his argument by quoting the words of Christ, “The laborer is worthy of his wages." John encouraged Gaius to send the Gospel preachers off in a manner worthy of God. And the Lord of the Harvest is a generous God. Jesus received ample support from those followers who loved and appreciated him (Luke 8:3, Mat 15:41). But a key question must be asked. For who do these sent ones labor, God or man? If God then to God, and not man, they must go for redress of support. This is a line of demarcation that separates those standing with Christ or against him. John’s first letter clearly tells us that only those who live as Jesus lived are truly in Christ. “If someone claims, ‘I know God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” The heart and mind of Jesus regarding true godly ministry can be ascertained by considering his instructions to the disciples sent out to preach the Kingdom of God.
“Now go….Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.” (Luke 10:3, 4) Who takes a trip and does not include these items? Why exclude these things and create a self imposed hardship? Does it really make any difference? Absolutely! Jesus was training these disciples for true, godly ministering. He wanted them to trust and depend on God for their needs and not themselves or others. Later he asked his disciples if they lacked anything when he sent them out with no supplies (Luke 22). Their response was they lacked nothing. The point of Christ’s inquiry was this; their Heavenly Father knew their needs and supplied them. And he would continue to do so in the future. “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:29-31)
Why should the disciples not greet people on the road? Is that not obvious? The souls of men are at stake and the laborers few. Christ was teaching them to set their heart to the task at hand and not be sidetracked in the things of the world including their support. Focus, as opposed to indifference or inattention, is a critical aspect of true ministry. Paul charged Timothy to have the attitude and actions of a true minister of Christ by comparing the words of Jesus to a soldier, “Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.” (2 Timothy 2:3, 4) A soldier does not supply or equip himself for duty but all his needs are provided for by the nation he serves.
“When you enter a home, greet the family, 'Peace.' If your greeting is received, then it's a good place to stay. But if it's not received, take it back and get out. Don't impose yourself.” (Luke 10:5, 6) This instruction by Jesus is most curious. In the OT the Lord through Ezekiel said this about false prophets, “Indeed, because they have seduced my people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace.” (Ezekiel 13:10) There has to be more to Christ’s instruction than a kind or friendly greeting. Peace by its very nature leads to a state of mutual harmony between people or groups. When Christ was born the angels declared “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” A heart filled with the peace of God is a heart of good will toward others. Peace is the primary fruit of righteousness. And righteousness in its most fundamental and simple meaning is doing right by others. But Ezekiel elaborated on those deceivers; “Your leaders are like wolves that tear their prey into pieces. They murder and destroy people to make excessive profits. Your prophets cover up these things by seeing false visions and by prophesying lies.” (Ezekiel 22:27-28) There is never peace present when one group seeks gain or increase at the detriment of the other. Hence Christ told his disciples not to impose themselves upon a household. Or stating Christ’s instruction in a negative way, do not enter a house concerned only about your own well being. If the peace of God is truly present then mutual love and care will prevail for both the sent ones and their supporters. The Gospel will be preached and the needs of the sent ones provided.
“Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.” (Luke 10:7) This instruction is the most telling of how true Christian ministry conducts itself. The sent ones were not to move around from house to house. Jesus knew the hearts of men. Even his disciples were susceptible to the seduction of greed. Staying in one household limited what a disciple received. Though their actual needs were met it constrained the desire for excessive support. A disciple, who was primarily concerned with the amount of his support, knew going from house to house provided the opportunity of increased support. If one household provided x-amount of support then 5 households would have provided 5 times over that amount. This is how a heart of greed thinks and proceeds. The more households accessed the greater the revenue (support) acquired. Is this not the prevalent mind set and practice of many ministers today? How many partners can we attract to join up and give? How can we add households to our mailing lists? How can we increase membership or attendees to improve our revenue numbers? How many can we access through television and radio to implore their giving. On and on it goes. And what did Jesus charge his disciples to do concerning hospitality? They were to receive the hospitality provided. They were not to solicit the hospitality desired. The provider of hospitality determined what he would give. His deliberation was to be free from the pressure or pleadings of the sent disciples (2 Corinth 9:7). It should be noted that making known the needs of a church, its members or a ministry was not forbidden. The struggle of the Jerusalem Church was told to the Corinthian believers and they responded with an overwhelming love offering. Paul told the Romans he would stop in Rome for awhile on his way to Spain with the expectation of their help for his journey west (Romans 15:24). Even Christ made known his need of a donkey’s colt in preparation for his triumphal entry (Matthew 21:2-3). Jesus plainly tells his disciples there is no guilt in receiving offered support. But guilt is implied to those who actively solicit their support. Why?
Examine the few years of Christ ministry in the four Gospels and count the number of times he entreated his followers for financial support. Tally the episodes he charged his audience with the responsibility to tithe to his ministry because he was bringing them the true Word of God. Point out, chapter and verse, where Christ sent his disciples out among the multitudes to take up offerings to support his preaching the Kingdom of Heaven. Declare, if you can, where Christ insisted no one could be blessed by God unless they first sowed their best financial seed offering into the good ground of his ministry. Discover, if you can, where Christ ordered his disciples to go door to door importuning for financial support to the work of God. I acknowledge, to date, not having found even one incident of this kind of ministry behavior from Christ. Such activities are the branches of a covetous root, which in its simplest meaning is the desire for more than you have. They also fit the definition of extortion which is to wrest or compel money from a person by intimidation or the misuse of influence or authority. Extortion also means to obtain by importunate demands. Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees as extortionist, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25) Christ walked by faith and faith, not only expects, but accepts what God provides. Those who practice the above scenarios are against Jesus and those who stand with them are in jeopardy of a spiritual fate not unlike Judas. All the above practices are for the purpose of getting hold of a neighbor’s money. And this behavior is clearly forbidden by God in Deuteronomy 5:21, “You shall not set your desire on…anything that belongs to your neighbor.” This certainly would include money. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy about men who measured ministry success in terms of accumulated wealth, “men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit [a moneymaking business, a means of livelihood]. From such withdraw.” (1Timothy 6:5) The objective of greed is always to have more than currently possessed. Greed is never satisfied or idle. It goes hard and often after another’s money. Contrast this truth with Paul’s statement to the Philippians regarding his heart attitude toward their support given to him (Philippians 4:10-12).
God’s Word is unmistakable. Those sent by the Lord are entitled to support. But he knows the hearts of men. Thus, with entitlement comes the responsibility of transparency. Far too often this responsibility is disregarded or deceitfully avoided. A definition of transparency is having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen. In other words something transparent is not hiding anything and opened to all for observation. Jesus warned his own disciples about the hypocrisy and danger of covering up, “The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” (Luke 12:2-3) Christ declared his ministry was open and nothing hid when questioned about his teachings by the chief rulers. (John 18:20) In speaking of the Lord the Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians, “For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives.” (1 Corinth 4:2) And he also declared that the management of money by a church or ministry was to be transparent, “not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2 Corinth 8:21)
The description Jesus applies to those who are evil and love darkness can be applied to a minister or ministry avoiding transparency. “The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil. For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved. But he who practices truth [who does that is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are-wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him].” (John 3:19-21) The words of Jesus are unambiguous and alarming. Those ministers or ministries that hide their activities do so for one reason. What they do is evil and they seek to keep such wicked works hidden in darkness. The refusal to allow outside investigation and scrutiny of ministry activities and spending is a clear and unequivocal mark of those ministries that stand against Christ. Surely Jesus was referring to these very ones when he said many on judgment day would cry out, Lord, Lord only to be cast far away from him forever. (Matthew 7:21-23) Those who are standing with these ministries that hate the light and hide their deeds, refusing any accountability to outsiders, should give heed to the possibility of ending up like Judas standing against Christ. May God open the hearts of those so deceived.
Evil men never change. Just as there are pretenders and deceivers in New Testament times so there were in Old Testament days. An archetypal example of what has been discussed above is the account of Gehazi, the servant of Elisha. In chapter 4 of 2 Kings Gehazi appears to be a faithful servant to Elisha the Prophet. He was diligent and respectful, quick to obey the commands of his master. His attitude of heart seemed to be one of serving. He demonstrated a sensitive and discerning soul when suggesting that Elisha pray for a woman, whose womb had been closed all her life, to have a child. And when that child’s life was later in jeopardy Gehazi was first on the scene to attempt resuscitation. If chapter 4 had been the only source for knowledge of Gehazi his lasting image would have been of a faithful, caring and humble servant of Elisha. Yet the Lord cautions us that man is limited to appearance but God searches the heart.
Chapter 5 of 2 Kings relates the story of Naaman, a foreign army commander who was a man of valor but diseased with leprosy. A young Israelite girl, being a captive maid in his household, lets it be known that a prophet in Israel could cure the leprosy of Naaman. He gets permission from his king to go to Israel to find this prophet and secure a healing. Soon Naaman started out for Israel “carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.” (Verse 5) This statement is significant and important to understand. People who are suffering and seeking relief are very desperate and vulnerable and, should they find deliverance from their affliction, extremely appreciative. However, such ones are easy prey for seducers, deceivers and wolves out to devour the sheep. Naaman eventually finds Elisha and is restored to health by the Lord. After being healed he gratefully pleads with Elisha to accept the gifts he had brought. But Elisha steadfastly refuses knowing that healing is of the Lord and not man. Naaman acquiesces to the refusal of Elisha and, filled with awe, declares he will never again offer sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. Naaman’s healing was comprehensive in that it was not limited to the body but included his heart. He then begins the journey back to his country and home.
Had the story ended here the reader would have been left with a sense of wonder at the display of God’s love, grace and mercy extended to a heathen soldier, an enemy of Israel. But reality is this; sin is ever present in the world around us. Far too often an evil and dark heart, which masquerades behind a cloak of righteousness, will be encountered. The Apostle Paul tells New Testament believers not to be shocked by such goings on when he defended himself against false apostles, “I'm giving nobody grounds for lumping me in with those money-grubbing ‘preachers,’ vaunting themselves as something special. They're a sorry bunch—pseudo-apostles, lying preachers, crooked workers—posing as Christ's agents but sham to the core. And no wonder! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn't surprise us when his servants masquerade as servants of God. But they're not getting by with anything. They'll pay for it in the end.” (2 Corinthians 11:12-15, The Message) The last few verses of 2 Kings 5 give clarity and substance to the angry outburst of Paul. Gehazi is a prototype in attitude and practice of modern day wolves, articulated by Paul above, who stand against Christ.
“But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, ‘My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him (Verse 20).” The mindset of Gehazi is most revealing. He reasons with himself that Elisha was wrong in refusing to accept the gift offered by Naaman. Gehazi believed that because entitlement was a legitimate issue any aggressive plan or action that would successfully obtain the property of Naaman was justified. Such reasoning is prevalent throughout many ministries today. Operating a mega-church or large scale ministry requires a significant dollar amount. No doubt the need is great. But does necessity trump truth and obedience? The teaching and practice of Christ is incontestable. Support is to be received not solicited. Jesus both taught and lived this truth. Those who go hard after supporters to get something from them are following after the example of Gehazi and not Christ.
“When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. ‘Is everything all right?’ Naaman asked. ‘Yes,’ Gehazi said, ‘but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.’ ‘By all means, take twice as much silver,’ Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi.” (Verses 21-23) Gehazi lied to camouflage his greed and energize Naaman’s sense of gratitude. On the surface the lie appeared reasonable, spiritual and worthy of giving. But this is often the problem. Giving to those who have a great story or self ingratiated need when, on a personal intimate basis little or nothing is known of them, is just begging to be deceived as demonstrated in Naaman’s life. A spiritual, supernatural or heartfelt lie is still a lie and can sway the innocent yet deceived giver. Does not Peter’s description of false teachers sound a lot like Gehazi and his followers, “Those false teachers only want your money, so they will use you by telling you lies.” (2 Peter 2:3)
“But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house (Verse 24).” Gehazi averted transparency by hiding his plunder. He had to cover up because exposure would have discovered his unrighteous work and leprous heart. Those who possess a Gehazi heart keep their ministry activities secret. They claim to belong to the Lord and therefore are not subject to the scrutiny of outsiders. But Christ said his followers belong to the light and their deeds are open for all to see.
The words of Moses, “Be sure your sin will find you out” should have been regarded by Gehazi. Elisha confronted Gehazi and declared the judgment of the Lord on him and his family. “But Elisha asked him, ‘Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.’ When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy.” (Verses 26-27) When Elisha asked “Is this the time to receive…,” he was implying more than probing. He mentioned items that Naaman neither gave nor possessed. His question was rhetorical and intimated that even receiving support, which Jesus defended as acceptable, may be unacceptable under certain conditions. When a person is touched by the grace of God and delivered from affliction their heart is overwhelmed with praise and thanksgiving. Such an individual is very vulnerable and can easily be taken advantage of. This was the case of Naaman and why Elisha refused the gifts offered. But those who possess a Gehazi heart see the grace of God as an opportunity for gain. Paul was describing such when he wrote Timothy (1 Timothy 6:5), “men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” Those who declare and insist upon support because they claim to minister the grace of God possess a leprous heart just as Gehazi did. And like Gehazi they are being drowned in self deception. They also in the end will be found out and judged as Gehazi was.
The Amplified Bible clearly and distinctly depicts the two groups that are responsible for taking the Gospel of Christ to the world. “These [traveling missionaries] have gone out for the Name's sake (for His sake) and are accepting nothing from the Gentiles (the heathen, the non-Israelites).” (3 John 1:7) These are the sent ones. “So we ourselves ought to support such people [to welcome and provide for them], in order that we may be fellow workers in the Truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.” (3 John 1:8) These are the ones who send. The Lord has called true believers to either go or to send. Those called to go are to look unto the Lord for their support and trust what he provides. Those called to send must be wise with their support but eager and generous to those who are sent by the Lord. May his Spirit equip, inspire and guide both groups for the work of taking the Gospel of Christ to the world.
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