Don't Sell Out

 

A major temptation and failure of those in ministry

There has been much said, written and graphic illustration of moral and ethical failures concerning those in vocational ministry.  Ministry, as I am using the term here, is specifically Christian vocational ministry; pastor, deacon, overseer, bishop, etc.).

            In my experience, I have seen people (men and women) in ministry stumble, fall, rebound, and perish over several issues.  You can pretty much boil it down to three categories:  Money, Sex & Power (Richard Foster wrote an excellent book on this very topic...with this title). I highly recommend it.

One area of failure that often goes unseen and is rarely addressed is selling ministry for money, or something that is profitable or a perk to the minister.  I have been tempted to do this myself. This is where you will give favors or ignore behaviors and activities because someone has something that would benefit you or has given you something of value.  In doing this, you lose your moral ground to be fair, impartial, and just with everyone.  Preferential treatment and giving undue favors will result. Things of value can be given generously and compassionately from folks with a benevolent heart, not because it buys something for them down the road.  Payback is not the way to do business. Keep your hand out of another’s pocket, even if they invite you to put it there.  Some folks will gladly give you things to be close to you.  It feeds the image they want to project to those around them. Don’t sell the ministry.  I have had many perks from people who are generous and want to give from their heart and their prosperity. That is not always wrong. Just make sure it isn’t for a future payback. I have taken trips, flown first class, enjoyed vacation accommodations, attended concerts, played golf on world class courses, eaten at fine restaurants, etc. All from folks who wanted to show appreciation and give me a special gift that I could never afford. It was always offered. I never asked for it. That is OK. Never have I taken anything that interfered with my ability to look at that person (or family) and say, ”you are wrong,” or “you need to confess and make this right,” and so on.  No one can look me in the eyes and say, “after all I’ve done for you, and now you say this to me.”  I can say anything that needs to be said to anyone because it is right, ultimately helpful and the loving thing to do. Don’t sell out.