These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

We’ve certainly dealt with the topic of false teachers over the past few weeks. You’d think that after the televangelist scandals in the 1990s that they’d at least realize the perception of wealth and riches are to outsiders. Most of the churches I’ve attended over the years are almost required to apologize when they ask for tithes and offerings because they don’t want to seem like that’s all they want. And yet many of the national televangelists still cajole, guilt, and coerce people into giving exorbitant amounts for their new (or second) jet, as an example.

I can’t possibly imagine what the Lord has in store for these greedy, money-hungry, conniving people. Unfortunately, though, they’ve made it that much more difficult to preach the true gospel because now we have to distance ourselves from them.

I think there’s a lesson here for each of us. When you’re in a position of power, you have more persuasion power than you think. People will hang on your every word, so make sure it’s the truth.