Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, It is written, My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves- Luke 19:45-46. If Jesus is to visit the twenty first century Church, the story will not be any different. Perhaps, there are far more thieves in the house of God today than ever. Man’s inhumanity to man in the name of God is on the ascendancy. Though the Bible warns of falsehood in the last days, the gullibility of modern day Christians who are bankrupt of the knowledge and power of the Word of God has perhaps propelled falsehood to fester than expected. It is becoming evident that humanity has shown no resolve to obey the scriptures, live a Godly life and be free but continue to chase miracles. This attitude presents a fine opportunity for cunning entrepreneurs paraded as men of God to readily exploit.
Even though the Bible clearly warns of attacks on the servants of God (Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My Prophets no harm- Psalms 105:15), the same Bible elaborates on false prophets and teachers (Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 6:14; Lamentation 2:14) and further mentions that Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practise lawlessness!- Matthew 7:22-23. The Good Old Book further points out in Matthew 7:20- Therefore by their fruits you will know them. In this light we are never going to be cowed into silence on supposed men of God who are cashing on the gullibility of many and dragging the name of the sacred priesthood in the mad. Once upon a time, the clergy was revered so much but this has given way to suspicions and second look when one identifies himself as a clergyman or woman.
I am not attempting to judge who is called or who is not called by God, neither am I in the position to do so. Nevertheless, being called is not enough but what you do with your calling equally matters taking a cue from the words of Jesus in Matthew 7: 22-23. The problem is that most of the supposed men of God have turned their calling into a pure business consultancy, milking poor unsuspecting people.
A woman went to see a certain man of God, who preaches across TV stations in Ghana. On her arrival, the young pastors came around to set a fire and asked the congregation to buy oil so they can burn their enemies. The woman was directed to buy ten bottles of oil costing her 100 cedis. As the congregation resorted to their seats the senior pastor himself popped up and then sneaked into the consulting room. An announcement ensued for first 20 people with 200 cedis to line up to see the man of God. There was a total pandemonium as people struggled to be part of the favored 20 list. The woman in discussion waited for the turn of those with 50 cedis. When she got to the man of God, she was supposedly thrilled with series of revelations about her life. She let out a deep sigh thinking her problems were over only to be told by the man of God to pay 200 cedis for directions that will bring her problems to an end. At the point the woman indicated she had no money left on her while the man of God softly interjected don’t worry; my junior pastors will follow you home for it. Indeed!! There is a task-force for extortion in the house of God. Realizing she had no money at home, she requested to come later prepared. This poor gullible woman lost 150 cedis and returned home never to return again. This is only a tip of the iceberg. Many more fall prey to heinous crimes, deceptions and extortions in the hand of self seeking men of God.
We need a paradigm shift from excessive direction seeking popularly known as akwantwere and pray for me attitude to knowing God for ourselves, living by His Word and pleasing Him. Do this and it shall be well with you. Though there are genuine men of God, the vipers since the days of old have always outnumbered them; therefore BEWARE. Long live Christianity.

Emmanuel Kwasi Mawuena
kmawuenah@gmail.com