So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. “Is everything all right?” he asked.
“Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
“By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi.
Karl Rahner is quoted, "The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those Christians who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.”
There has been repeated criticism of many media ministers who use a high percentage of their time appealing for money. There are people who believe many ministers are doing what they do for financial reward and benefits. Some can motivate givers by leaving the impression if you don’t support their ministry, you are not supporting the Lord’s anointed work.
I have reported past investigations by Iowa Senator Charles Grassley into six prosperity gospel ministries because of their opulent lifestyle. The investigations were not so much how they use their money, but whether there might be tax fraud. These ministers were Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Gloria and Kenneth Copeland, Paula White, and Creflo Dollar.
Locally Mac Hammond from the Living Word church has also been investigated in Minnesota because of his many properties under the name of the church.
There are ministries today that receive generous salaries, housing allowances, and amenities such as private jets, most expensive cars, and several homes, claiming all is legal because they do not own them, the ministry does.
Most have turned over financial accounting to the investigators, except Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar who refuse to cooperate and refuse to have any open files. Their tactic of stalling can buy years of court appeals all the while continuing to plead for money on the air and have bizarre stories as to how God will bless you financially, if you follow claiming and naming it principles.
Despite their lack of cooperation, no penalties were handed out. Little could be confirmed about the televangelists' current salaries and spending. The government could not verify their hidden financial reports and did not want to jeopardize other ministries by removing religious exemptions but recommended open and approved audits. They have not complied except Joyce Meyers.
Last week we looked at the healing of Naaman by God through the word that came to Elisha the prophet. This week I want to center on the gifts he wanted to give to Elisha and focus on four responses to gift giving and receiving.
The process of receiving and giving is part of our daily lives. How we look at the use of money is a spiritual principle that also serves to enhance or block our growth in Christian maturity and trust.
Application: Remember that all we have belongs to the Lord and is given to us as stewards of His grace to a lost world.
Prayer: Lord, help me remember that everything I have is Yours. Give me a spirit of generosity.
