This is a ‘duh’ message that shouldn’t have to be said. I’ve talked about this ailment before, but recently, Gd revealed the root cause.
After conversion, the Scripture shows that the heart begins the healing process immediately. How this looks depends on you. Zacchaeus, the rich tax collector, said he would give away half of his money to the poor and would pay anyone he wronged fourfold (Luke 19). This happened before the Spirit was given. You can find other examples.
So, some fruit can be seen right away. One immediate fruit highlighted in the Word purges approximately 80-90% of professing Christians in the U.S: It’s the merchandising of the kingdom. People have turned the Body of Christ into a marketplace, and they seem to be content with it (2 Corinthians 2:17)(2 Peter 2).
They sell works (supposedly) inspired by the holy spirit, their testimony, salvation, teachings, songs, prayers & prayer tools, devotionals, books, Christian art, whatever they can come up with, really. “Christian” film makers make heathens pay before they hear the Good News? People sell “special” Bibles? All of this is absurd. I tell you the truth: if people truly desired to help or bless others spiritually, they would just give it away (Matthew 10:8). Would a man exploit Gd for selfish gain? Yes, and it’s done in many ways.
The accessibility of Scripture is a blessing (though translations don’t seem to be done by gifted scribes). But, understand that the Word of Gd was primarily passed down through oral tradition. Writings were given to a group of people (often held by clergy). This encouraged people to memorize Gd’s word. Maybe you could borrow a copy.
We can see in the NT that Scripture was available to people (Acts 8:27-28)(Acts 17:11)(2 Thess. 2:15), so ensuring everyone has access is a good thing. But, the Reformation and the printing press helped usher in the mass merchandising of Scripture that stresses earthly resources. This was one of the first things I understood after leaving artificial Christianity behind (Matthew 10:8). People told me “commercializing Gd is a matter of opinion” when I was a newborn Christian, but I clinged to the truth, not man. I know the difference.
For example, you might want to print something out and don’t have a printer. You may have to pay the library or secular business. (Opt for eco-friendly paper options.) I’m not talking about that. One could accept (not demand) donations/gifts/honorariums (Proverbs 3:27 11:25). I’m also not talking about pastoral or evangelist support (1 Corinth 9:14)(1 Timothy 5:17), which was commanded (though people have taken things too far).
Desiring to buy and sell spiritual things (as well as getting ad revenue from ‘Christian’ websites and videos) means your heart is not transformed. I don’t care how much truth a person knows. Satan knows the Bible, too. Many people are anti-christ followers (1 John 2:18). Peter rebuked Simon, the sorcerer, and said Gd might forgive him if he repented and prayed for forgiveness (Acts 8). This was right after professing faith, so it’s nearly impossible you’ve been a Christ follower for years and not understand that you can’t buy or sell a gift of Yah (Acts 8:20). Salvation is a gift. Wisdom is a gift. Truth is a gift. Spiritual insight is a gift. Spiritual abilities are gifts. You could have messed up once or twice, but doing this continually is a BIG red flag.
This diagnosis may be difficult to accept, but people should know how serious this is to Jesus before he brings the whips. Are you confused? If so, your heart is in a worst state than Simon’s. The people of Jesus’ day were confused when he drove out the merchants, but his disciples understood (John 2:17). The final nail in the coffin is that 99% of the stuff people commercialize today is not needed or required; they’re creating new ways to sin (Romans 1:30). The condition of their hearts is obvious: mammon chasers, worldly, fame seekers, vain, selfish (trying to recoup expenses), etc. We can only imagine how angry Yeshua must be.
You can ignore this fatal sin ailment; it’s your choice. If you feel repentful, ask the father to forgive you of this wickedness. He is merciful and may forgive you (Acts 8:22).
Keep in mind that there’s no need to get into fruitless discussions about this because it’s the instant fruit of a babe in Christ. It’s not even a milk lesson.