Make Room

When I was younger (and somewhat of a religious nut job) I heard a preacher say, that in order to have doors (of influence) opened for you – you need to bring a tangible gift. Whether that was money, gift cards, a potted plant, a new car, etc – you need to bring a gift in order for someone to be open to you. Regularly this was preached from the pulpit.

On one occasion the minister indicated that he had wanted to meet with a particular televangelist.  He purchased an expensive tie and provided it for the minister when he made his request known that he would like to meet with him.  When the televangelist agreed to meet with the minister it was obvious that he had done so because a gift had “opened the door”

Over many months this was taught over and over again (usually just before the offering was collected) and example after example was told of how he or his wife would bring a gift to a meeting and major influence was GIVEN to them. Usually when these messages were given, a quick reference was made to Proverbs 18:16 which reads:

A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.

On the surface it might seem like the pastor’s example fits (on the surface) it really felt like manipulation… like he was using a gift to “buy” time with someone that he wanted something from.  When you look up the Hebrew word – it does say “gifts, offerings, presents”

This confuses me.  When I recently read a blog post by Steven Furtick, he took the word “gift” and used it in such a way that it could be interpreted as “talent”… and this makes more sense to me.  A man’s abilities or talents make room for him… (You can read his post at StevenFurtick.com)

How often do we see someone who excels because of his or her talents, giftings, or abilities? But according to Proverbs – it comes down to bribery!  Look at another passage, Proverbs 17:8…

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.

So if I am reading this right – we are all supposed to act like Washington DC’s insiders? We are supposed to act like lobbyists greasing the political wheels to get what we want? I’m so confused & frustrated!

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