Xanthe Hancox
Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. 2 Corinthians 2:17
Paul's critics in Corinth doubted his motives. We’ve already seen how they doubted his intentions to visit them and suggested he wasn’t transparent when he spoke about it (2 Corinthians 1:15-18).
Now it seems people are doubting his reasons for preaching the Word of God. Could people trust that he really believed what he was preaching, or was he doing it just to make money like the “peddlers of God’s word” who could be found in any Roman city? It appears he did not want to be lumped together with the philosophers and politicians of his day who charged hefty fees for their speeches.
People were using God’s Word to make a quick buck in Paul’s day much like they are today. Our world is full of religious racketeers who are doing exactly what Paul called here, "peddling God's word;" marketing it for profit like cars, cellphones and chocolate.
Paul says, "We are not like that."
Instead he and his co-workers were “persons of sincerity.” They were quite clearly not going from place to place preaching the gospel in order to get rich; they understood that they were sent by God and answered to God.
This reminds us that motivation is not just a private matter, especially when it comes to money. The way we handle money shines like a laser pointer on the question of our sincerity as Christians. People want to see whether we handle money in accordance with our high principles or ditch our principles when there’s money to be made. Are we lax with our expense accounts? Do we hide income under the table? Do we engage in dubious tax shelters? Do we push for raises, commissions, and bonuses at the expense of others? Do we take financial advantage of people in difficult circumstances? Do we twist contracts to gain a disproportionate financial gain? The question is not only whether we can justify ourselves, but also whether those around us can recognize that our actions are consistent with Christian beliefs. If not, we bring dishonor to ourselves and to the name of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that, though twenty centuries have rolled away since those days, you have not changed, nor has the world changed, nor have we; that your power is as manifest and as powerful today as ever, and you can handle this age as well as you did any age, or any place, or time. We thank you, Lord, that we may be your instruments in this day, and good stewards of our money. Amen.