You cannot find a Christian network or platform where they are not trying to sell you something. If one is willing to pay for the time slot, you can sell any product on these Christian networks. You can purchase almost anything from dietary supplements to someone’s latest book on how to live a better life as long as you put a Christian spin on it. And it seems as if anyone can participate for the right price. So, our ministers are marketing their “anointing” and getting rich in the process.
This practice is in direct conflict with the teachings of Christ. Matthew 10:7–10 says, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.”
In these verses the Lord was teaching us two things:
First, that we, as His representatives, were to freely give of the talents and gifts given to us of the Lord. None of us have paid for what God has given to us. Whatever knowledge, understanding, revelation or talent that any man or woman possesses, they have it of God and therefore it should be freely given to God’s children.
Second, if the ministers would trust the Lord’s instructions, the people would be moved to provide for the needs of the ministers. “Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” (1 Chron 29:9)
Try as you might, but the Holy Spirit cannot be paid for. It is the Holy Spirit that distributes the varying gifts through the body of Christ, and no amount of money can pay for any aspect of His character. (Acts 8:18–23) In fact, the Bible teaches that those who would buy or sell the Holy Spirit have wicked hearts and are in need of repentance.
The same principle applies to everything that God has freely given us. As Paul wrote, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Cor 2:12)
The gospel, and all things pertaining to life and godliness; purity and righteousness, should be freely given to all who hunger for them. Christ is the Bread of Life and anything pertaining to growth in Him should be freely given to all who hunger and thirst for Him.