Benny has apologized for some of the ways he asked for money.
I find the issue of “money” and Christians fascinating. As an atheist (pre-salvation) I would have agreed with every word of criticism about ‘greedy preachers just wanting your money’. Since being saved and having the opportunity to see things as a “visitor”, a “member”, a “deacon”, an “elder” and (via conversations) through the eyes of a “pastor” … who would have ever imagined that BOTH SIDES (all sides?) could actually be wrong at the same time?
The critical Bible phrase is: “the laborer is worthy of his wages”.
[Luke 10:1-12 NKJV]
1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly [is] great, but the laborers [are] few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 "Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 "But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6 "And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 "Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 "And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 "But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 'The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.' 12 "But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
In the first story about “the laborer is worthy of his wages”, Jesus himself is explaining to us that the wages of a laborer for God is what they need - not greed or avarice - and not want and neglect. It is due them in order that they may keep their focus on the task that GOD has given them to keep their focus on. For us (non-pastors), the duty to graciously provide (or to withhold) “wages” from God’s worker carries a blessing or a curse.
[1 Timothy 5:17-20 NKJV]
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer [is] worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
In the second mention of “the laborer is worthy of his wages”, we learn that the elders who rule well are worthy of “double honor”. That immediately tells me two things about an elder (which is a Church Leader or Pastor in modern common talk), they have a responsibility to their people, and their people have a responsibility to them. It’s a “family” thing … like “Keep an eye on your little sister, and mind your big brother.”
It also affirms the rules of this forum … tread light when making accusations and always show respect.
You will have to decide for yourself where “they only want my money” (thoughts from a church visitor/member) or “I am afraid to bring up the subject of money” (thoughts from a preacher/church leader) fall in “worthy of double honor”. I have answered that question for my own heart.
I believe that wolves that seek to “fleece” the sheep from a spirit of greed are worthy of a curse from God.
I believe that sheep that make God’s laborers feel like beggars are in danger of a curse of their own from the God that sent those men to be a blessing to His church.
I think a little Prayer, Holy Spirit and Fruit Inspection will go a long way towards telling one “spirit” from another.
One final thought, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) so give willingly and leave God to be the final judge. Our obligation is good stewardship, not “knowing everything”.
As far as the finances of Benny Hinn are concerned, I am ignorant so I leave it to someone with knowledge to apply the general wisdom from God’s word (offered above) to the specific details of Mr. Hinn. For me, he is not my “elder” so he is not my concern. I support those that labor where I am fed.
(As Christians, we could always PRAY for Benny Hinn. I know of no restrictions on prayer.)
Shalom (that’s a fancy word for ‘bye’ that means “peace and well-being”)