… not pursuing dishonest gain.
Summary: Peter’s requirements for an overseer begin with six traits to watch out for. Two of these traits are not like the others. Doing things that earn blame and pursuing dishonest gain both require effort and reveal a heart focused on material things instead of the things of God.
Describing an overseer, Paul begins his list of traits with, “must be blameless.” We talked about the meaning of being blameless in “Titus 1:6 (a) — A Question of Blame.” He ends his list with today’s passage, “not pursuing dishonest gain.” There is something about these two bookends that is very different from the rest of the list.
Being overbearing, quick-tempered, drunken, and violent are all personality traits. To say that they are “personality traits” does not mean that they cannot change. It just means that having learned them at some point, a person does them without thinking. If they thought about them, they would be able to control them. The typical problem is grounded in not being aware of what a person is doing. It is a reaction more than anything else. Not so with the other two.
If I am pursuing dishonest gain, I know what I am doing. I have to think about it at some level. Instead of being reactive, I am proactive. The pursuit of dishonest gain is a choice rather than a reaction. But what, exactly, did Paul mean by “dishonest gain?”
Most passages in the New Testament fall into one or two general translation choices. Rarely do the translators fall into such a wide variety of translations as they do in today’s passage. The King James Version translates this as “not given to filthy lucre.” I like the “filthy lucre” translation, but it is not one that is commonly used or understood. The word “lucre” comes from the Latin “lucrum” meaning “gain.” Filthy, of course, means dirty. So what kinds of things might fall under this heading of “dishonest gain” or “filthy lucre?”
Power and authority are magnets for filthy lucre. No one is going to accuse the beggar on the street of scheming for “filthy lucre.” But what if the beggar is not a beggar? Every once in a while I hear a story about this. Someone poses as a beggar but goes home at the end of the day to a nice house and a fancy car. Since they have misrepresented themselves to the public, the money they collect becomes “filthy lucre.”
If a person would impersonate the needy to swindle money out of those who want to help, what would they do if they had a position of authority? They would take every chance to enrich themselves. Whether it is for money or promotion, every opportunity for “more” is taken.
Suppose a judge is only looking out for themselves and has no interest in serving justice. Would their judgments be fair? Would they be impartial? Would their judgment be for sale to the highest bidder? If it is, whatever “gain” they get is filthy lucre.
Then there is history’s first prize winner in the “Filthy Lucre” category. Judas betrayed Jesus, presumably on some principle that made sense to him at the time. But instead of standing on principle, Judas wanted some personal benefit, too. He wanted some gain for his betrayal. Matthew tells the story this way:
“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26: 14-16a)
The money wasn’t why Judas betrayed Jesus. The money was simply more gain. Whatever the reason was that Judas used to justify his betrayal, he wanted more. This is the definition of dishonest gain, or to use the King James verbiage, “filthy lucre.”
Application: Be aware that this desire for more, for dishonest gain in any form, is a warning.
Food for Thought: How do we spot dishonest gain, first in ourselves and then in others?
When we work or use acquired skills combined with use of capital, legitimate relationships, integrity, honorable remuneration, in order to meet our needs or seek to honor the Lord Jesus and/or meet the needs of our neighbors especially the needs of fellow believers with whatever gain there might be, I don’t believe we are engaging in seeking dishonest gain. This is true as look as what we are involving ourselves in is something we believe God is directing us to do.
If there are moral issues surrounding the desire for more, especially to consume any gains, or spend the funds exclusively on ourselves, or our own pleasures without considering or consulting the Lord then it is likely greed, or even the pursuit of dishonest gain may be at work within us. The why of what we are doing is very relevant, as well as the motivation for doing. Examination of rationale and practice as well as a desire to have God’s will whether it leads to better or perhaps a worse financial condition is key to determining if greed is a factor in our desires, pursuits and the way we spent our time.
Jeff,
The desire for doing God’s will is indeed a key factor. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today!
A lack of contentment in what God provides may lead us down a trail to filthy lucre. 1 Timothy 6: 6 – 10, 17 – 19.
Thank you, Rich!
I love the focus on contentment. That is a great indicator of where we are in relationship to what God provides us.
Good stuff all!
How do we spot dishonest gain, first in ourselves and then in others?
As I was growing up my father taught me “it is not a crime to steal, it is a crime to get caught.” His proof of this was all the people in prisons were there because they got caught. He showed me how to take advantage of the “pocket sales” in stores. ( no cameras in those days ) Anything you could fit into your pocket, without getting caught, was free. And the list goes on.
God has given each of us the Holy Spirit with the power of discernment. We need to listen to Him as we examine our motivation. What are we trying to achieve, are we acting in obedience to Gods will or pleasing our flesh. When this occurs we must make a decision and will only find true peace and happiness come from our obedience to Gods will over the stuff we accumulate. Study and apply Gods Word, Live according to what is pleasing to God. Focus on glorifying Christ in all we do, love and serve all in need, as we let our faith be seen as real. BE BUSY DOING THE DO’S, AND WE WILL NOT HAVE TIME FOR THE DON’T’S.
Genesis 22:18, 1 Peter 1:14, Romans 6:16
Rulers of this world are full of corruption. We obey God as we obey them regarding things of this world. People calling themselves christians for PERSONAL profit are growing. Teachers, Bible College board members, elders have all shown themselves to be deceptive. Titus 1:10-16 warns us of them. We need to listen to others with discernment, if we feel uneasy, be alert! What do they talk about, what do they hold in high value. Do not be drawn in by flattering words but look discerningly at what they do, their actions will show who they serve. Do not allow yourself to be charmed, deceived, and respond to them with Godliness. When we are deceived, forgiving them as quickly as possible, will provide growth, remove bitterness, allowing us to continue our journey with God, unhindered by that sin.
1 John 2:3, 1 John 3:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 18:33-35
Ron,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on discernment. I especially like the saying, “Be busy with the ‘do’s’ and we won’t have time for the ‘don’t’s’.” Well said!
Brother Jeff,
Our Lord told me that one while I was fighting a lot of don’t’s. Tried to get that in to each group at BSF if it seemed to be appropriate.
Thanks for all the GREAT work you are doing.
God Bless,
Brother Ron