How well anyone can recover from obvious mistakes? Depends on the mistakes and how people responded to the mistakes. Especially to the outsiders who are watching. 1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Earlier in 1 Timothy, Chapter 3, he talks about "reproach". Reproach means an expression of rebuke or disapproval; the act or action of reproaching or disapproving ; a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace; to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy. Evangelism requires courtesy from a believer and be Christ-like. Many have accepted Christ by watching Christians more than talking. In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"; which means a Christian should demonstrate godly love and have real credibility. Our credibility is very important. Is the modern day church growth movement biblical or unbiblical in its beliefs and practices?
One of my issues with "showmanship" preachers is their credibility financially as well as personal conduct. Those "preachers" who don't allow Christian Auditors to review their books is a sign of deceit. I won't donate to any Preachers that is not audited by an independent auditor or auditors. One thing I know of, many non-Christians who receives private donations have open their books to the public (auditors). Why can't Christians? Are Christians hiding like the Pharisees did with their money? Its an accountability issue. If you go to ECFA's website and do a "search" on each of well known TV Preachers' financial information, you will find that many of them are not listed as members of Evangelical Council For Financial Accountability (ECFA). If they are not opening their books, their are hiding their wealth.
How many organizations, preachers and etc are willing to allow other to check on their ethics and have their financial records audited by Christians Auditors? For example of accountibility, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is one of the Charter members of the Evangelical Council For Financial Accountability (Since 12/1/1979).
This is an area in which people are highly vulnerable to self-deception, where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish in the "religion" world. People often do not escape deceptions around the world. During the deceptions, so called preachers are growing rich on the miseries and pains of people who are searching for truth.
Paul said that in Romans 16:18 "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." 2 Corinthians 11:12 I'm just trying to keep things open and honest between us. And I'm not changing my position on this. I'd die before taking your money. I'm giving nobody grounds for lumping me in with those money-grubbing "preachers," vaunting themselves as something special.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
2 Corinthians 8:20 taking every precaution against scandal. We don't want anyone suspecting us of taking one penny of this money for ourselves.
Fishes are known to be very gullible. Proverbs 14:15 The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word. Romans 16:19 And so while there has never been any question about your honesty in these matters--I couldn't be more proud of you!-I want you also to be smart, making sure every "good" thing is the real thing. Don't be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." again in Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.
I rather be a "discerner" than a "gullible persons". Proverbs 17:24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
That's the trouble within Christian communities. They tend to focus on superficial activities to get people's eyes for attention rather than their HEARTS. Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
I am weary too but at the same time, I am there and ready for any clean up to those who got caught in the trap of showmanship. I have witnessed many and have encouraged them to allow the Holy Spirit to guid their hearts to Christ instead of using their physical eyes. Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. We all including me have gone through this simply because of our sinful nature that we are born with. We are to Love Him, discern the teachings and only have FAITH in Him in any circumstances in our lives. We are so entangled with human "reasonings". In 1 Corinthians 2:6, “but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world....” made me think. Wisdom by definition means quality of being wise; power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience and understanding. In 1 Peter 1: 13 - 16 We are to present our bodies "as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Truth is, the Holy Spirit is able to grasp our inner being only when we submit completely which will allow Him to teach us, lead us mysterious and divine where we ought to go. Remember, since God is love, therefore, we must surrender to love or we can never know the truth of God. "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." — Psalm 86:11
Not everyone can be John the Baptist, Not everyone can be Billy Graham. Everyone have their own spiritual gifts as God given them. We should use our spiritual gifts without "showmanship" or similar way because the Holy Spirit is THE one is doing all the work for us.
