For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness, God is witness. 1 Thessalonians 2:5
Did you ever hear of a concept called the ‘prosperity gospel’? One of its primary preachers is Joel Olsteen, pastor of a huge mega-church in Texas. His ‘gospel’ is rather different from what we are used to. His ‘gospel’ doesn’t bother with sin or judgment or salvation, or any of the eternal stuff. No, he preaches that God wants us all to be as wealthy and comfortable as we want, and we will be rolling in wealth and affluence to the extent that our faith is strong enough. And he lives what he preaches, with a net worth well north of $100 million. He no longer takes his $200,000 salary from his church; he no longer needs it because he is raking in millions from the sale of his books and videos and other media designed to help people to build up their faith to prosperity-receiving levels. Olsteen might quote the first part of Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. But he will quote it from one of the modern-language versions of the Bible, which leave out the words ‘of Christ’. So he can make the gospel anything he wants. And what he wants it to be is the gospel of flattering words and a cloke of covetousness.
Paul had a clear conscience when it came to preaching the Gospel. And we will too, if we follow Paul’s approach. Flattering words would never mention anything about sin or judgment. That’s why Paul didn’t use them. He knew, as we know, that nobody ever receives God’s salvation until there is repentance. Until a sinner knows that their sin stands between themselves and God, and that the wages of sin is death, they will never be able to grasp their need of a Saviour. Sin and judgment are not pleasant topics. Few people appreciate being brought face to face with how short they come of the glory of God. But it is the truth, and for some, it is an ugly truth that causes us to be ashamed. Joel Olsteen is not the only preacher to avoid this subject. Most of the pulpits today sound out a message of flattering words. These include the doctrines of self esteem, of religious observance, of doing the best you can, and so forth. Offending anyone is to be avoided, so flattering words are the norm when it comes instructing people on preparing for the afterlife.
Paul also had a clear conscience when it came to using a cloke of covetousness. The Thessalonians knew that he did not come among them appealing for money or possessions. The huge bank balances of modern-day televangelists like Joel Olsteen would have been a shock to Paul. Many times, Paul turned to his trade of tent making to pay for his living expenses, so as not to be a financial burden on those around him. No, he was not in it for the money. Nobody should ever look at service for our Lord as a means to making a fortune. Something that warped souls like Joel Olsteen doesn’t understand is that God’s remuneration for service to Him is not paid in earth’s gold.
Paul called both the Thessalonians and God to witness that he was faithful to both God and men in his service. Can we do the same? -Jim MacIntosh