“The richer we have become materially, the poorer we become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.”
This quote by Dr. M.L. King Jr. is the most appropriate I could find to share my thoughts on the subject of moral and spiritual bankruptcy for this issue of Colorszine.
I recently read an article where a tele-evangelist asked some followers to donate $ 300 each for him to buy a “private” jet for the exorbitant amount of $ 65.000.000. Yes, you heard right, sixty-five million dollars!
The shameful thing about this is that this evangelist is not the first, and sadly but certainly won’t be the last using the Bible to justify what I call shady practices. On several occasions, various others have made the headlines in a notorious way.
As a Christian, my heart bleeds when I read this kind of news. What I can’t get my head around and consequently disapprove of is the means used to enrich oneself. Personally, I am not against wealth and prosperity for anyone. I wish wealth, health and prosperity to all fellow humans living on the planet. Some may say that everyone can achieve anything in life if one works hard enough and put their mind to it. The sad truth is that for numerous reasons, known and unknown, not everyone enjoy these benefits in life, no matter what!
Preachers and pastors are like politicians. When attending public and community funds, modesty is required, especially those teaching the Gospel using Jesus Christ as an example! Who needs a $ 65m private-jet to preach to anyone in this modern day and age with advanced technology? And even if these actions are justifiable and legally right, they are so morally wrong!
Spreading the word by sharing accumulated wealth with the poor and less fortunate humans of any faith is a moral and spiritual responsibility. Despicable and detestable actions equal moral and spiritual bankruptcy!
Colorfully,
Tirzah
