I oftentimes like to start my day listening to various teachers of the Word for whom I have respect. I say "listen" because, although they're actually television broadcasts, I sometimes am not actually viewing them. Sometimes, I'm in bed going through the waking up process; sometimes I'm just in another room.
This morning, as I was in another room, I heard the speaker I'd been listening to ending their program. I couldn't remember who came on next, so I just left it on. The speaker who followed (who shares a denominator common to most, that of being viewer-supported) proceeded to expound on a "blessing opportunity." Now, this opportunity "wasn't for everyone." It was just for a "select few" who felt compelled by God to participate. That participation would involve "sowing a seed" into his ministry. He then upped the ante a bit. Where these lower level participants of a double-digit amount were promised a blessing for their gift, the high rollers (I mean givers) of a specified four-digit amount would be really blessed.
I continued to listen to see how far he'd go with it. He went to the extent of using his entire 30 minutes of air time. Wow. His program ended, and I heard another voice with which I've recently become familiar. This guy is always hustling, I mean soliciting, or rather expounding on "blessing opportunities." And today was no different. Realizing that (at this point) I'd definitely had enough, I finally went into my bedroom and turned the television off.
Do I believe in giving to worthwhile ministries and charities? Absolutely! Once researched and vetted, giving to worthy causes is (to me) an absolutely lofty goal. Above and beyond that, I believe in tithing; that the first 10% of my income belongs to God and should be returned to Him (via giving to my home church) prior to any other giving or expenditures.
But, I couldn't help but think of that old movie, "Miracle on 34th Street." And I mean the really old, black & white version. The main theme was that the genuine Santa wasn't concerned as much with the bottom line of his employer, Macy's Department Store. He was concerned that children fully enjoy the Christmas season. He didn't see his role as that of being Macy's ambassador but of espousing the true meaning of Christmas. As the parents (who were Macy's highly sought after customers) realized the heart attitude that motivated his advice, it engendered good will toward Macy's. And what the Macy's executives then realized was that, ultimately, their bottom line improved as they expanded their vision.
So, what do you think the odds are that one day one of these television "preachers" will say the following:
"God has revealed to me an opportunity for all who wish to participate to receive a special blessing. I want you to give your best offering, a sacrificial offering, to your local church or the charity of your choice! Let me pray for you..."
