On one of Christopher Columbus’ voyages, he found that his crew’s food
supply was almost depleted. Anchored off the island of Jamaica, he was grateful
to be given food by the islanders. But as time went on, the gifts of food
decreased so that the crew began to starve.
Columbus knew from an astronomy book that a lunar eclipse would soon
occur. He called the native chiefs together and told them God was angry about
their selfishness and would blot out the moon. At first the islanders scoffed.
But when they watched the night’s silver disc slowly become dark, they became
terrified and quickly brought food. Columbus said that if he prayed, the moon
would be restored. Though we may empathize with his circumstances, Columbus’
“message from God” was dishonest and self-serving.
Aware of religious charlatans who “peddled” God’s Word for their own
desires, the apostle Paul wrote, “We are not, as so many, peddling the Word of
God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God” (2 Cor. 2:17).
At all times we must be on guard not to misrepresent God’s message to
acquire what we want from others. With a heart yielded to God, we must honestly
share spiritual truths that will benefit those who hear.
The purpose of sharing God’s truth is to profit others, not to prosper ourselves. (RBC)
