Not for Profit

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is unlike anything that world has ever seen.  When the Gospel was presented by Jesus, it was not accompanied by an advertising campaign.  Unlike many other pagan religions of the time, it was not sexually driven or marked by drug use.  It was not forwarded by political influence, nor advanced through military prowess by Christ's disciples.  The Gospel did not hold promises for financial gain, nor boasted promises of fame, acceptance, and power.  It was quite the opposite:  Jesus said that all who repented and trusted in Him would be forgiven of their sins and inherit eternal life - with the understanding they were choosing a life of humility, servitude, rejection, being hated, misunderstood, persecuted, tortured, imprisoned, and even murdered.  The world must marvel that Jesus had any followers at all.  But those who have left all to follow Christ understand that a relationship with Him is the most real thing they have ever experienced in this life and know we will be perfected in the life to come.  A true follower of Jesus can't imagine not following Him.  When we become one with Christ, to separate ourselves from Him is unthinkable.

What drives business, politics, science, medicine, prostitution, fashion, professional sports, music, entertainment, technology, and every other industry imaginable?  Money!  It was never intended by God that the Gospel become industrialized and institutionalized as well.  The Gospel must never be a vehicle for financial profit.  There is a difference between earning a living and making a profit.  It is right that pastors, preachers, and other staff members at churches are paid for their time so they can be dedicated to laboring in the Word, prayer, and doctrine.  But it would never do for preachers to become rich by preaching for this is not according to the model of Christ.  This sends the wrong message to the world when pastors live in million-dollar mansions, have private jets, drive Rolls-Royces, buy a single toilet for $23,000 and claim tax-exempt status.

Jesus never told His disciples they could not have nice things, even expensive things.  But one thing Jesus never did - though all things are made by Him and for Him in heaven and earth - was make a vulgar display of His wealth.  He could have used riches to "further" the Gospel, but He didn't.  Riches appeal to the flesh.  Our flesh must be crucified with Christ so we can spiritually live with Him.  Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  If the great desire of our heart is to build an empire of this world, to leave an earthly legacy, than our hearts are not under the authority of Christ.

The fact remains we Christians are called to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Jesus.  I must care for God and others more than myself.  To go even further, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says I ought to take no thought for my life because He is able to provide for all that I need.  Instead of trusting a portfolio or retirement investments which can evaporate in an instant, He wants me to trust Him.  This does not mean that I can be a poor steward of my resources, to the contrary:  I ought to be a good steward of all that I have that it might bring glory to His name.  I should be careful that my lifestyle not make a bad reflection upon my Savior.  Pastors with great wealth who flaunt it have the potential to stumble people both inside and out of the church.  That is why we must be Holy-Spirit led in our personal lifestyles.  The other day I found a watch I really liked and even received a great discount.  But after thinking it over I did not have a peace about buying that watch because people might get the wrong impression about me.  Is it o.k. for a Christian to have a luxury watch?  Of course!  But I'm sure God told me that though I wanted that watch, He didn't want me to have it.  In that position we are left with a choice:  honor God with obedience and deny ourselves, or push ahead with what we want, risk offending people, and be disciplined by God for my disobedience.  Why drive a wedge between someone and Christ because of a watch I wear on my wrist?  It's too great a risk to take.

It is good to examine our lifestyles and see if we fully honor God.  We know that drinking alcohol can be a stumbling block, and money poses even a greater threat.  Jesus says in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."  The word "mammon" means "wealth."  It is interesting that God and wealth can be opposed to one another.  We ought to serve God with our wealth, for it is all from Him and for His glory.  Money, wealth, and things ought never be our master.  Funny how we think we are in control when it can be money which masters us!  Instead of being caught up in thinking of dollars and cents, it only makes sense to seek Christ in our financial decisions.  When we deny ourselves we fulfill our calling as Christ's followers.  We will not be without a reward!