Sunday, September 4, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Dear Father Paul
Dear Father Paul: I read a feature article recently in another metro Atlanta newspaper about the pastor of one of the area's large megachurches. It said that he lives in a $1.5 million house and drives a Bentley automobile. What do you think about pastors living that kind of lifestyle? Joe, Fayetteville. Dear Joe: I John 1:2 says: "Beloved, I wish that you might prosper and enjoy good health, even as your soul prospers." And Proverbs 13:21 says that "... prosperity is the reward of the righteous." There is no question, Joe, that our heavenly father wants us to do well and for all to go well with us, just like each of us want to see our own children do well and prosper. The real question is, when does prosperity become excessive beyond what is a reasonable and healthy level, for us and for our relationship with God? The pastor you mention, according to the article, has done nothing dishonest or unethical in that his congregation is well aware of where he lives and what he drives. They approve of his high salary (according to the article, over $500,000 per year) and his lifestyle, and as long as they do so, it is, frankly, none of my business. What is legal and what is wise and appropriate, however, are often two different things entirely. And I, for one, do not think his actions are particularly wise or appropriate. The reason is that for many unchurched people, the pastor's wealthy lifestyle is a huge turn-off to the extent that they will use the "appearance" of his lavishness as an excuse to justify having nothing at all to do with God or his church. The statement "money grubbing preachers" is often heard from these folks. I, for one, would not want to knowingly do anything that might keep another person from coming to God. Truth is, most people just can't see Jesus driving a Bentley or wearing a Rolex and neither can I. All of us need to understand that the really true riches will come in the next life, not this one. Dear Father Paul: What is true repentance as opposed to false repentance? Sharon, Fayetteville. Dear Sharon: False repentance often involves sorrow, but not Godly sorrow. It is usually the kind of sorrow where the person blames someone else for his problems or where he is just "sorry that he got caught." Merely stopping one's sin or other bad behavior is false (not true) repentance as well. True (Godly) repentance starts with the admission that one is totally wrong, period; no "ifs, ands or buts." It's an attitude of the heart that says, "I'm totally wrong and God is totally right." It's an attitude that says, "I'm sorry that my actions have offended a just and holy God." This genuine sorrow leads to the amendment of life; that is, making a 180-degree turn and then going in the exact opposite direction. One hasn't truly repented until he has changed direction. I love king David's short statement in II Samuel 12 when he was confronted publicly by the prophet Nathan for his sin with Bathsheba. He said, "I have sinned against the Lord." That kind of attitude is the beginning of true repentance. Special to Elaine: Choosing a college during the next few months is one of the most important decisions your son will make in his entire life. Be sure he has plenty of resources, i.e. print and video, that he needs on 4-6 schools that you and your husband approve of (and can afford). Then one or both of you go with him to visit each school. Be sure he has some time during the visit to spend quality time alone with some of the students. In other words disappear for a while. Lastly, pray. You have raised him right and God WILL guide him. The Church Of The Holy Cross will begin an 11-week evening class on "Renewal Of The Mind, And Inner Healing" at our Fayetteville location Tuesday, Sept. 13. The class is excellent. It is free and open to the community. It will be taught by myself and my wife, Dr. Judy Massey. No one will ask you to join our church. E-mail me at paulmassey@earthlink.net and I will e-mail you detailed information. Father Paul Massey will answer your question in the newspaper. Write him at P.O. Box 510, Fayetteville, GA 30214 or paulmassey@earthlink.net. [Father Paul Massey is vicar of the Church Of The Holy Cross, Episcopal, C.E.C., Fayetteville, which meets for worship and Holy Communion Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Church Of God Of Prophecy, 1000 Ga. Highway 54 West (one block west past the Eckerd at Gingercake Road). Prayer for the sick is offered at every service. All are cordially invited. For more information phone 678-457-3050 or visit www.chccec.org.] |
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