Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 10:2
“The coming of the kingdom into our lives challenges us to resolve the issue of how we use power. Each of us, to some degree, exerts personal influence and power. We are tempted to use it for our advantage. This can happen in our work relationships or at home in our personal relationships. What about those “power plays” we make with our colleagues, spouses, and children? We are tempted to take advantage of others because of our position of privilege. The Bible considers it a grievous sin to take advantage of another person by misusing our position of power and influence. Jesus had more problems with the religious leaders of his day who used their power for selfish purposes than with any other group of people. In practical terms, it is a grievous sin to take advantage of the elderly because of our youth, to take advantage of the weak because of our strength, to take advantage of the poor because of our wealth, or to take advantage of a lesser employee because of our seniority or status. Do you get the picture? How great is the temptation to misuse what God has given to us for personal advantage.”
John Stroman in Pray in This Way: Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer (Protestant Pulpit Exchange; Nashville: Abingdon, 1995) excerpt from Chapter Three.
This look at gain brings into view the “ill-gotten gains” that do not profit and lead to destruction. These awful gains surface when we misuse our position and influence instead of following God’s right and righteous design when we serve in positions of authority. This abuse was common among the religious leaders in the time of Christ and persists in that group today.
Sadly, the newspapers and internet report numerous examples of ministry leaders, both Catholic and Protestant, who have misused their positions and committed sins linked to money and sex from their position of power. How can we avoid this? What can we do to prevent it? And how to we exhibit generosity toward perpetrators and victims?
Stroman offers us advice for avoiding these grievous sins. If, in God’s providence, we ascend to a position of power, we must not selfishly misuse it, but see it as an opportunity to serve others more generously. Hoarding gain in the form of power or money is a recipe for disaster. The righteous avoiding selfishness by serving everyone with humility and generosity.
When we read stories of the sins of religious leaders, the injustice angers us. Ill-gotten gains have pillaged victims. What should we do? We must remove perpatrators from power and minister to victims. We must forgive sinners as we have been forgiven. We can take solace in texts like Ezekiel 34:1-11. God will weed out selfish shepherds! Share that truth generously.
Father, the world tells us to seek power to “get ahead” of those around us. Society says to hoard the gain we make because “we earned it.” These are lies. By your Holy Spirit, help us live differently, give generously, and serve humbly. Forgive us for our selfishness. Help us model selfless service like your Son, Jesus. In Your mercy hear our prayer in His name. Amen.