In the past, many of us witnessed certain lawless aspects of the ministry. Preachers would spend the better part of a meeting beating us up for money. Only after everyone gave until it hurt would they begin to minister in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Tent meetings became a venue for extracting money. Greed starts out ever so subtle. Later, it is fully uncovered for what it is. Benny Hin was scrutinized by a major news magazine and was asked why he needed multiple houses in gated communities and European luxury cars. He publicly repented but later was back to a similar lifestyle. I witnessed the uncovering, the repentance, and the return to luxury. He originally wanted the same anointing of Kathryn Kuhlman and was believed to carry on her mantle of a healing ministry.
As we move toward the “perfecting” of our faith and walking in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, we must be vigilant not to let greed enter in. This is why the Baptism of Love is so important to establish our intent. Paul was well aware of the issue as revealed below:
1 Thessalonians 2:5
- NET© 2:5 For we never appeared 1 with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –
- NIV© 2:5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
- NASB© 2:5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed–God is witness–
- ESV© 2:5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.
- NLT© 2:5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!
- MSG© 2:5 We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you.
- BBE© 2:5 For it is common knowledge among you that we never made use of smooth-sounding false words, and God is witness that at no time were we secretly desiring profit for ourselves,
- NKJV© 2:5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness––God is witness.
- NRSV© 2:5 As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed;
- KJV© 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know , nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness: