An Unmuzzled Ox

I used to be a big fan of "Bishop" T.D. Jakes. At one point, I had read more of his books than any other preacher outside of the Bible.

I loved his sermons. I had practically memorized a couple of them from listening over and over. I watched him on television. Listened on the radio. Tapes. Videos. I had every intention of attending a "Man Power" conference.

I felt he could truly be a prophet of God.

Time passed. I lost track of him somehow, but I've kept his sermons in my heart. I've often shared quotes from him and injected his axioms into lessons and commentaries I've had opportunity to share with congregations and acquaintances.

"So, You Call Yourself A Man," is one of the greatest books on manliness and responsibility I've ever read. I honestly believe it changed my life.

He truly inspired me!

Sadly, I've heard things over the years that have made me uncomfortable about him. Not about immorality, like all too many tele-vangelists, but about money.

I never gave it much thought until now, I suppose. Doing a "Bing" search can be incredibly and painfully informative.

"How much is T.D. Jakes worth?"

As of 2018, $147 million.

Wow! The sacrifices some preachers make for the Gospel!

Do I believe it? Sure!

I see his books for sale all the time at work. His name shows up repeatedly in any mention of popular authors and preachers in our country. I've seen him hob-nobbing with Obama and other famous and infamous sorts.

I am a free-market guy and I have no problem with honest money. But why would a follower of Christ, a minister of the Gospel who, frankly, makes his living from preaching, feel comfortable with being one of the richest men in our country? Is the Gospel supposed to make you rich as the world sees rich? What do the poorest of the poor who listen to him think about his great wealth?

I've heard he's become a "prosperity Gospel" preacher. He certainly has prospered!

Christ said, "Foxes have their holes and birds have their nests, but the Son of Man does not have a place to lay His head."

Paul the Apostle said, "Don't muzzle the ox that treads out the corn." Yeah, seems to me, this ox is definitely not being muzzled.

I was talking to my dad about a pastor of mine when I attended his rather large church. I was just remarking off-hand about his salary and benefit package and how I felt he was earning his keep. The total amount exceeded six figures and this would've been twenty years ago.

I talked on about the sacrifices he was making as our pastor. You know, the time and effort, etc.

Dad just calmly replied, "Doesn't sound like he's sacrificing that much."

My dad was very wise!

Luke 9:58 KJV
And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.