“For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness” (1 Thessalonians 2:5 ESV).
“Follow the money” is a catchphrase that has grown in popularity among law enforcement professionals and others over the years. While the beginnings of this modern-day adage vary, it is generally agreed that it originated in the 1970’s as a shorthand way of expressing a concept that goes far beyond a monetary exchange. The idea is that it is possible to discover someone’s true intent by examining his or her financial activities. In other words, the route that a financial transaction takes to its ultimate destination may help determine whether a corrupt motive exists.
Of course, any attempt to “follow the money” would undoubtedly serve to uncover an attitude of greed (or worse) for some. However, we should note that Paul the Apostle reminded the members of the Thessalonian church of his commitment to financial transparency here in 1 Thessalonians 2:5: “God knows we never tried to get money from you by preaching” (NLV).
In fact, the proper attitude towards money seems to have been a subject of particular interest for Paul. For instance, he told the leaders of the church at Ephesus, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me” (Acts 20:33-34). He also warned a young Pastor named Timothy to guard against those who “…think that religion is a way to become rich” (1 Timothy 6:5 GNT).
Jesus also provided us with a similar warning regarding covetousness, one that revealed the misguided philosophy associated with those who are driven to accumulate wealth and/or possessions: “…Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
So unlike those who attempted to mask (NIV), cloak (ASV), or cover up (CEV) their quest for profit in the name of religion, Paul did not engage in such behavior. Instead, he appealed to the God who serves as the ultimate arbiter of our internal motives. For Paul, the knowledge that his daily choices and decisions were made in the presence of holy, righteous, and virtuous Creator helped enable him to avoid the trap of financial impropriety, especially in regard to the ministry that God had entrusted to him. Those who follow Christ would be wise to adopt a similar mindset as well.