There was a missionary who served in the Delhi region in the early 1900s. As an entrepreneur, he figured out how to gain funds through business and invest in missions in India. At that time, there was a great demand for bicycles in the regions, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Purchasing a huge consignment of bicycles and hiring a few trucks, he would travel to those regions and sell those cycles. Then he will purchase dry fruits and fill those trucks and return. With these profits, he invested in establishing a few bookshops in a few prominent marketplaces and also a printing press. Sadly, the successors who were natives who inherited the ministry sold out those properties and purchased homes in their names for their descendants. This is a warning for those who use God’s money to become personal assets.
Lack of Vision: The missionary was a man of vision, unlike the native leaders. As a missionary, his desire was to invest in God’s work that would continue even after his death. Lack of vision makes a person selfish, stupid, and destructive. Sons of Eli also lacked the vision of God; hence, they dishonored God by robbing the raw sacrifices that belonged to God. (I Samuel 2:16,17,29)
Lack of Wisdom: The native successors did not have the Fear of God, hence lacked Godly wisdom. Wisdom is needed in this world, especially to do Kingdom work. Obviously, earthly wisdom is selfish, unspiritual, and demonic. (James 3:15)
Lack of self-control: One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. (Galatians 2:25-26) Achan could not control himself; he coveted and took a cloak of Shinar, 200 shekels of silver, and 50 shekels of gold. (Joshua 6:17; 7:21) Achan robbed God; ultimately, he was stoned to death.
Lack of contentment: No gratitude, no contentment. Paul writes: Contentment with godliness is a great gain. (I Timothy 6:6) Lack of contentment led to greed, taking possession by illegitimate methods, and falsifying documents to become legitimately rich.
Lack of Kingdom priority: The spiritually immature leaders lacked the right priorities.
Do I resist and overcome the temptation of covetousness?