I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most of us in America are millionaires by the rest of the world's standards, yet we are the first to gripe and complain about our difficulties, instead of finding someone worse off than ourselves to help.
I am deeply convicted in my own heart about helping those who are less fortunate than even myself.
Our family has become regular donators to the Salvation Army, because they helped my husband's family. When he was growing up many times they had no food, were being physically abused, and hurting in every way, emotionally, and physically. My husband's mom attended a well known apostolic church who never once lifted a finger to help her situation, but only poured on heavy condemnation and guilt. The only hope my husband's family ever got was from local charities, but especially the Salvation Army.
I would much rather give my dollars to a group who helps those in need than to give it to a minister/group who spends it on fancy living, vacations, housing, and dining.
We also like to help people that we know are hurting by sending them anonymous donations (with a money order) so they don't know who did it, but just can only thank the Lord. We don't want any accolades or even thanks, we just want to help those in need. I think that is part of laying up your treasures in heaven. It is a blessing to give to those in need, and knowing that only you and the Lord know about it!
I can't get away from this scripture in Luke, which I posted in another thread, but will share it here too, as it applies to your thoughts as well...
Luke 12:29-37
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
To be honest, we have never sold all that we have and given it away, so I have not attained yet to Christ's wishes here... yet it is my desire to give away to my brother or sister who is in need... not just a ministry or a man in a position who wastes it on wordly materialistic things.... much more important that we take care of the poor and those in need, especially our families, and parents, and if a minister should be one of those in need, I would be glad to provide support and sustenance to him... but why should we enable the lifestyles of those who are living as Kings instead of servants?
If I should see a minister who is living as a servant in both his heart, and lifestyle, that is the one I would be willing to support, and help in every way possible. They are hard to find, but I know they are out there.
I too would be interested in knowing more about the church that you are speaking of, if you can find more information about them.
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