ByBy the grace of God, I have had the privilege of serving as a central leader at The Bible Daily Network for over five years (at the time of this writing). While moving higher in the ministry, I have had the honour to work with other ministry subordinates while also serving as a subordinate in my local church. With these experiences, I have some knowledge from both ends – serving as a core leader and being a subordinate simultaneously. Because of these varied experiences, God has given me a special grace to discern how leaders think and how to think as a subordinate to work in harmony with others when you are not at the top. That helped me understand what I want to share today in this article concerning betrayal from subordinates.
Judas Iscariot’s ways
How many children have you seen parents naming them “Judas”? As for me, I haven’t seen even one in my entire life. But you may ask why. Because of his ways in the Bible. The name “Judas,” in itself, isn’t bad. But because of how badly Judas Iscariot lived among Jesus’ disciples, many people have cancelled him in their hearts, and that’s not a problem. After all, it’s good to know something terrible someone did so you’ll guard yourself from indulging in such a lifestyle.
Before betraying Jesus, Judas Iscariot was the treasurer of Jesus’ ministry. All that which was in the financial coffers of the ministry was with him. In those days, there were no banking systems like today, where various banks have already set up a system to keep track of transactions. In John 12:6, the Bible clearly says that Judas was a thief. Why? Because he used to take what was put in the money box, which was in his custody.
You may ask, but why didn’t Jesus do anything to him? Jesus could have sacked Judas. But He knew that he would betray Him in the future to enable God’s prophecies about Jesus dying to save humanity from sin to come to pass. Today, you cannot do ministry or business with such people. Many organisations sack accountants and other employees who steal from the coffers.
Don’t let temporary desire gratification blind you to the future effects of your actions today.
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Blinded by the love of money
Many leaders are busy, so they need faithful and trustworthy people to handle organisational finances. But because many people battle financial issues, even believers in Christ, it has become hard for people to be trusted with money, especially in ministry. Joseph, in the Old Testament, had a proven track record of trustworthiness. He handled Potiphar’s house so well that Potiphar left the whole house in his care (see Genesis 39:3-5), and everything was in order until a scandal conspired against him. What about you? Can you be trusted with something? Can you serve faithfully in a ministry without your pastor supervising you? This should be a personal question to answer.
The love of money blinded Judas, but he kept his heart unchecked. He took some funds to cater to his personal needs without asking anyone, which was dangerous. Don’t be like Judas! In fact, don’t let temporary desire gratification blind you to the future effects of your actions today.
Check your heart constantly
Check your heart constantly, dear minister. This goes especially to those who handle ministry finances. As a finance director, you may have direct access to ministerial coffers but never consider taking any money from the coffers for private things. Be satisfied with what you are paid with.
As a top leader in ministry, know that God looks at what you do with a little before He will entrust you with much. Handle ministry finance with your best wisdom and a good financial team that knows everything that goes on in the coffers. Don’t use veto power to do bad things and think nobody can do you anything! It is wrong and will send a negative message to your team.
Lastly, remain loyal to God first and to your ministry head second. Repent for any wrong thing you have done, lest you let remorse make you make bad life decisions that can cost your generation, like Judas hanging himself.
You are a blessing!
