Psalm 119 and Televangelism Scandals

Psalm 119:80 - "May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame."

The news came across wires all over the world yesterday. The ministries run by Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Eddie Long, Joyce Meyer, and Randy and Paula White were being investigated for possible misuse of donations. Apparently these ministries are set up to run as churches, not the typical Christian non-profit ministry. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa has called for a congressional investigation into these ministries which have been allowed to run in a veil of secrecy all these years. This comes just a couple of weeks after the news broke of possible misuse of donations by Richard Roberts, the President of Oral Roberts University. And, the hearts of those who are followers of Jesus Christ break.

It's not that we are surprised. Anyone who has followed these "ministries" over the years knows about the false doctrine of "prosperity theology" that so many of these ministries propogate. Those who preach that God wants you to be rich, live like . . . well, they frankly live like they are rich; filthy rich. I watched the CBS Early Show today as Creflo Dollar tried to answer a reporter's questions about Rolls Royce automobiles and a $1,000,000 40th anniversary gift to Kenneth Copeland. And, I hurt, because these people, who I pray began their ministry with sincere hearts, have lost touch with the world around them. I don't know any of the people that I am writing about. And, I want to be careful, because I am talking about the body of Christ here. But, if these allegations are true, this is so sad. David knew the potential of being put to shame. It comes when we are not blameless towards God's decrees. And, all of us are guilty of that, every time we sin.

So, if our brothers and sisters in Christ are guilty, they may very well be put to shame. And, if they are, our role as the body of Christ is to in humilty seek to help restore them to the faith. Not to a position where they can misuse donations, but to where they can in humilty remember the God who motivated them to follow Him in the first place.

Dear God,

Help us to remember You. Help us to remember why we follow. Help us to remember that our purpose in life is to love You first and others second. Help us to remember that the love of money is not on your list of commands. You warn us about that love. And, most of us, including me, struggle with that love. Help us to remember that the answer to life's problems does not come from a huge paycheck, but from You. Help us to shower the world with Your love.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.