Charlatans

      There’s a few so-called “ministers of the gospel” out there who regularly take advantage of gullible people. And it makes me angry. I think if Jesus were here, in the flesh today, he’d pull out his whip again.
 

      There's one, with the initials R.T. who goes by the title, "Pastor," (but from my perspective he is anything but). He's a spinner of half-truth, and his motives are Profit, Power and Pride. Lately, R.T. is offering a book that describes how to get "filthy rich." (The adjective is mine).

 

      Oh, “Rev.” T. surrounds himself with all the trappings of spirituality and veracity.. He has a stage set that looks like the old city of Jerusalem, and he has a very well-worn old guy who sings an occasional “inspirational” song, (which doesn’t move me one iota).

     And his singular and continual plea is to “make your vow.” The implication seems to be that his viewers owe him the tithes that would normally be put in the local offering basket. Rev. T. never reveals how the money will be used; (though I think I know).

 

     It fills up his scandalous pockets! The only one destined to become "filthy rich" seems to be Rev. T.

     Time would fail me to describe other charlatans. But one fellow, (I didn’t catch his name,) spins it a bit differently. His spiel goes something like:

     “Friends, I can’t guarantee you immense riches. But I will guarantee that if you send in for this miracle spring water, you will be healed.”

      Preposterous! Only God, Himself is capable of making such decisions. And only He, Himself can extend that healing hand.

      I’ve told you I’m not very charitable, so I might as well say it. I’m convinced that there’s a special place in hell for such scoundrels; people who not only know the Gospel, but use it to their singular advantage.

      They had better enjoy the rewards they have in this life for I have no doubt they’ll receive something a bit different in the next.

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "Unconventional Devotions" Copyright 2005