This is a ‘duh’ sign that shouldn’t have to be said. I’ve talked about this ailment before. For years, I thought I was just more discerning than others, but recently, Gd helped me understand the root cause. This is an easy way to see if a claimed sheep of Christ is really a goat = 1 Timothy 5:24.
After conversion, 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 changes can be seen right away and don’t come with maturity. One immediate fruit highlighted in the Word purges many professing Christians today: 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.
They sell works (supposedly) inspired by the holy spirit, such as teachings, songs, prayer & prayer tools, devotionals, books, Christian art, whatever they can come up with, really. “Christian” film makers make heathens pay to hear the Good News? People sell “special” Bibles? 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 (2 Corinthians 2:17)? 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. The apostles didn’t sell their letters (Matthew 10:8)(Colossians 4:16)(2 Corinthians 1:1-2)!
The Bible is the best-selling collection of all time, and so-called Christians participate in this? This was one of the first things I understood after leaving artificial Christianity behind. People told me “commercializing Gd is a matter of opinion” when I was a newborn Christian, but I clinged to the truth, not man, and stood alone like the Levites. 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.) People can have ministry expenses. One could accept (not demand) donations/gifts/honorariums (Proverbs 3:27 11:25)(2 Corinthians 9). 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- many teachers & pastors are peddling the Word of Gd).
If you participate in the business of buying and selling spiritual things (including getting ad revenue from ‘Christian’ websites and videos), your heart is not transformed. I don’t care how respected a person is, how much truth he or she knows, or how many good works they have. This is a fruit you can’t bypass! Read Mark 10. Obeying means nothing if you’re weighed on the scales and found wanting (Mark 10:20-22). There are millions of false Christs, and they all have devoted 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 not likely 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. Your testimony is a gift. Spiritual abilities are gifts. Spiritual insight is a gift to be freely shared with others. No true Christian would commercialize Gd and feel nothing! Don’t be deceived! Even some unbelievers know this!
This diagnosis may be difficult to accept, but people must 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 crap people merchandise today is not needed or required; they’re creating new ways to sin (Romans 1:30). The condition of their hearts is obvious: mammon lovers, worldly, fame seekers, vain, selfish (trying to recoup expenses), etc. We can only imagine how angry Yeshua must be (Psalm 69:9). You should be angry, too. These people are mocking Christ!
Only a revived heart can heal this fatal sin ailment; you can’t force it = Romans 9:18. If you feel repentful, ask the father to forgive you of this wickedness. He is merciful and may forgive you (Acts 8:22).
Yeshua is revealing nakedness; repent, and be clothed in righteousness today!
Is this message too much for you? Time to walk away faker = John 6:66
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.