THURSDAY March 27, 2025
Is Money Your Motive?
A bishop then must be ... not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous....
1 Timothy 3:2, 3
In laying down the principles for leadership, Paul the Apostle set a good example to others serving in ministry. He worked with his hands as a tentmaker. He wanted to be above reproach, making his own living, and providing for his own needs. Early in the morning, he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and then later in the afternoon, he made tents. He was not finished with his day, because he would then continue to preach.
Paul never asked for money. Interestingly, when people were moved to give offerings to him for the ministry, he did not even want to carry it. He desired somebody else to take charge of the finances. That way, he would remain blameless and not be falsely accused of taking money.
I think that is a good philosophy within the ministry. I never touch anything that has to do with money. We have an accounting department who takes care of everything. I make sure I am blameless, and that our ministry is also blameless by having an audit once a year. We continue to live by faith in the ministry. We never ask for money; we receive whatever God has placed on people’s individual hearts to give.
Some ministries make the mistake of asking people for financial support, saying they are not able to continue to do ministry without funds. This is really misrepresenting the Lord. God is not broke. Listen, if the Lord has called you to do something, then take this philosophy to heart: “Where God guides, God provides.” Follow what Paul encouraged believers to do in Philippians 4:6-7:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As a child of God, put into practice all these things.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
~Matthew 7:7-8~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
