Saltless Preachers--Candles Without Light

by Van Robison

Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 5:13-16 that they were the salt of the earth. He also said they are the light of the world, and that they were likened to candles giving light. He said to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The followers of Jesus Christ are to be salt in the earth and a light in the world. Unfortunately many preachers today are saltless and their candle has no light, because their real interest in life is having power and control over others, as well as majoring on money--their real god. Some preachers, especially some money-obsessed television preachers use the name of Jesus Christ for personal gain. They come as angels of light, but in reality are wolves in sheep's clothing.

Being on television does not in itself qualify anyone as a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ, even though the name of Jesus Christ is the front used by some of these frauds and charlatans. Jesus Christ never told His disciples to go out and make personal disciples of themselves, and yet in the world of churches, almost without exception all preachers seek personal followers and financial "partners". When Jesus told Peter "feed my sheep", He did not assign Peter a "power position" over the flock. Even Peter says "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock."--1 Peter 5:3.

The church world lacks salt when "pastors" insist on gathering together a group, large or small over which they are lords. We have only one Master (Matthew 23:8) who is Jesus Christ, and that is an elementary and fundamental basic that many preachers have never learned, because they think they are lords over God's heritage. I have yet to meet a pastor in my whole lifetime of many years, who does not think he is a "master" and "lord" over those who attend his personal church. They also believe they are masters and lords of your money, even though scripture says that preaching for filthy lucre (1 Peter 5:2; 1 Timothy 6:8-11) is a no no.

Throughout history there have been preachers who preached for free, and never took up tithes and offerings. I have absolutely no doubt that all preachers would have much greater respect if they earned their own private income, and also if they were salt and light instead of lords and masters. Traveling evangelists may deserve their daily bread (1 Timothy 6:8) and a bed to sleep in, but it is doubtful that Jesus Christ intended that ministry of any kind was ever appointed to make one either comfortable or rich. Jesus Himself often slept out under the stars at night, and never rode around in a golden chariot. As far as evangelism is concerned, do the American churches export churchianity to the world, or do they take the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the nations, and point others to Jesus Christ?

The world is full of preachers who are candles without light.