“For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against” (1 Tim. 3:2a, TLB).
Peter says it this way when it comes to a minster’s relationship toward money:
“Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office] …” (1 Pet. 5:2, AMPC).
There are many advantages and profits that are obtainable from ministry today. It is much easier in this day of poor accountability to get rich through the gospel and to be motivated by that advantage. And a minister has no grounds to justify it and say it’s nobody’s business. It’s a public trust!
The example we set speaks the loudest. This is the reason there are qualifications for ministers to even function as a leader or in an office in the church. We must be able to say no to many things that would be permitted in the lives of others. We must resolve not to be a stumbling block to the weak, thus sinning against Christ (1 Cor. 8:9, 12).
The Biggest Lesson a True Apostle Taught Me About True Financial Prosperity and Stewardship
When the elder board of the late Lester Sumrall made several attempts to persuade him to upgrade his ministry image by purchasing a luxury car, he gruffly responded by saying: “I like my Chevrolet, and I’ll keep my Chevrolet!”
When I was a Bible school student, one of the first guest speakers we had was Brother Sumrall. In his introduction to a week-long seminar, he said that when he and his wife got married they made a vow of poverty. As soon as he said that, the students gasped because we were taught that poverty was a curse. Recognizing that the air had gone out of the room, and that he now had every student’s attention, Sumrall explained himself. “I believe in prosperity, but not for my back pocket!” Boom! A big mental stronghold was knocked out of our minds and balance was restored.
To me, this is the godliest and most admirable position on financial prosperity. I’m glad I learned it early. We are blessed to be a blessing.
