What practical steps can we take to guard against "dishonest gain"? Foundational Warning from Titus 1:11 “They must be silenced, for they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach for the sake of dishonest gain.” Why Dishonest Gain Matters • It corrupts the heart (Psalm 119:36) • It ruins lives and households (Titus 1:11) • It dishonors the name of the Lord (Proverbs 30:8-9) • It produces spiritual shipwreck (1 Timothy 6:9-10) Anchor Your Heart in Contentment • Remember who provides: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Trace every blessing back to God’s hand (James 1:17) • Practice daily gratitude—name three gifts you enjoy that money cannot buy. • Limit lifestyle inflation; resist the urge to match culture’s standards. Practice Radical Honesty • Refuse every “small” shortcut: inflated expense reports, hidden cash jobs, pirated software. • “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 11:1) • When tempted, speak truth out loud: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10) • Keep meticulous records; reconcile bank and budget monthly. Build Transparent Accountability • Invite a trusted believer to review your budget or business books twice a year. • Couples: keep joint visibility on all accounts; no secret funds. • Churches & ministries: adopt open-books policies—“taking care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:21) • Welcome questions; concealment feeds corruption. Work with Purpose and Generosity • “He who steals must steal no longer, but rather must labor… so that he will have something to share with the one who has need.” (Ephesians 4:28) • Set aside a giving amount before spending anything else; generosity starves greed. • Model Paul’s example: “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold.” (Acts 20:33-35) Guard Your Teaching and Influence • Examine motives before every conversation, post, or sermon: am I hoping for applause, followers, or funds? • Stay text-driven; never adjust doctrine to increase income or popularity. • Remember stricter judgment awaits teachers (James 3:1). • Point listeners to Christ, not to products, platforms, or paywalls. Cultivate a Godward Perspective on Wealth • Meditate on Luke 12:15—life does not consist in possessions. • Pray Proverbs 30:8-9 over your heart: enough to honor Him, never so much that you forget Him. • Regularly read testimonies of faithful believers who chose integrity over profit. Daily Heart Diagnostics Ask yourself at day’s end: 1. Did I handle money today in a way that would please Jesus? 2. Did I speak truthfully in every transaction? 3. Did I give rather than grasp? If conviction surfaces, repent quickly and make restitution where needed. The grace of Christ frees us from the pull of dishonest gain and empowers us to live visibly different lives—honest, content, and generous. |
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