2 CORINTHIANS 2:17
Christopher Columbus, in an effort to induce the natives of Jamaica to continue providing food for him and his hungry men, successfully intimidated the natives by correctly predicting a total lunar eclipse for 1 March 1504. At first the people scoffed. But when they watched the moon slowly become dark, they became terrified and quickly brought food. Columbus said that if he prayed, the moon would be restored. Columbus’ “message from God” was dishonest and self-serving.
Paul was aware of religious charlatans who “peddled” God’s Word for selfish reasons. No true servant of God should use the Word of God for his selfish gains.
At all times we must be on guard not to misrepresent God’s message to acquire what we want from others. With a heart yielded to God, we must honestly share spiritual truths that will benefit those who hear.
The purpose of sharing God’s truth is to profit others, not to prosper ourselves.
* Lord help us to be truthful always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
