USING THE GOSPEL FOR GAIN!

The following is an excerpt from a book written in the 1600s. It is an allegorical tale of a journey made by Christian and his friends to the Celestial City.

Men's hearts have not changed!

CRAFTY: As you see, we are all on pilgrimage, for better diversion, may I suggest this question:

Suppose a man - a tradesman or a minister - sees an opportunity to advance himself in the world by becoming more zealously religious about some things he had not before considered very worthy or important, may he not take advantage of his opportunity and use this means to attain his end without lowering his moral standard or cheapening his character? Can he not do this and still be an upright, honest man?

MONEYLOVE: I see what you mean, and with the permission of the rest, I will give you an answer. First, as it concerns a minister: Suppose a good worthy minister, with small income and but little of this world's goods, desires more for himself and family and sees an opportunity of getting it by altering his principles and methods a little, which pleases his congregation - by being more studious, advertising himself and his church more effectively, preaching more often and with greater zeal, selecting and shaping the Scriptures to serve his purpose, building stronger and better sermons on tithing and giving to increase the income of his church and put himself in position to get a better salary, and thereby enhance his reputation in his community and denomination. I see no reason why he should not take advantage of this opportunity. In fact, I think he should.

First, because his desire for gain is natural and lawful, and the opportunity to obtain is set before him by Providence. Then he may get more if he can, asking no questions for conscience' sake.

Second, his desire makes him more studious a more zealous preacher, causes him to improve his talents and so makes of him a better man, which must be the Will of God.

Third, as to his complying with the wishes of his people by yielding some of his principles to serve them, I think that is commendable; for it shows that he is of a self-denying spirit and of a sweet and winning disposition, which demonstrates that he is better fitted for his profession.

I conclude, therefore, that a minister who changes from a small charge and salary to a larger and more remunerative one should not be judged as covetous for so doing. Rather, since he has improved the quality of his service he should be considered as one who is judiciously following the rules of his calling and making the most of an advantage placed before him to do good.

Now to the second part of your question concerning the tradesman: Suppose a tradesman or a workman, receiving little profit or small wages, can, by becoming religious, improve his situation - marry a rich woman, gain more or better customers, or get a better job - I do not see why this may not be legitimately done. My reasons are these: To become religious is a virtue, by whatsoever means. It is not unlawful to get a rich wife, or more trade or better wages. Besides, the man who gets these by becoming religious gets that which is good by becoming good himself. So the result is a good life, a good wife, more money, more customers, or better wages, or more business, all by becoming religious. Therefore, to become religious to obtain all these is a good motive.

This answer by Mr. Moneylove was enthustically received by all. And they all thought that no man could successfully refute it. So they decided to go to Christian and Hopeful with the question, since they both had rejected Mr. Crafty and his ideas. They called to Christian and Hopeful to wait.

So after greetings, introductions, and a few brief remarks about their journey and the weather, Mr. Earthy presented the question to Christian.

CHRISTIAN: Why even a beginner can answer that question. Anyone should know that it is wrong to become religious for gain! For if it were wrong to follow Christ for the loaves and fishes, it is far worse to use Him and His religion as a decoy to gain and enjoy things of the world.

The hypocritical Pharisees were of that spirit: Long prayers were their methods, but to get widows' houses was their aim. Jesus said they would receive greater damnation.

Judas, the traitor, was also of that belief. He was religious for the money bag he carried. And he is called a thief, a devil, and the son of perdition, and it is written of him that he went to his own place, which was Hell, where all devils go.

Simon, the deceiver was of this belief, too. He tried to bribe the apostles into giving him the power of the Holy Spirit that he might use it for his own profit and glory. But Peter told him that his heart was wicked, that he was in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.

Satan is the author of these ideas. He is the one who induced Ananias and his wife Sapphira to keep back part of their possessions for a rainy day and live out of the common treasure of the church - off the labors of others - deceiving the Christians and using their religion for gain. But God struck them dead.

Therefore, the person who takes up religion to gain the world is a thief, a liar, a robber, a cheat, a Judas, a hypocrite who will throw religion away for the world - just as Judas sold his Lord for 30 pieces of silver. This doctrine may sound plausible, but it is of the Devil, and if you accept it as true, your reward will be according to your works.

Then the four stood staring at each other in silence. Hopeful said, "Amen". And Mr. Crafty and his companions fell behind as Christian and Hopeful went on their way. When they were some distance ahead of others, Christian said to Hopeful, "If these men cannot stand before men, how can they hope to stand before God? And if they are mute when dealt with by vessels of clay, what will they do when rebuked by the flames of devouring fire?"

Excerpted from: Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (In Today's English)