Are you a money-changer?

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. -Matthew 21:12-14

If you ever traveled outside of the country where you reside, you probably have used the services of a money changer. A money changer is someone who exchanges the currency of one country for that of another, a much needed service for weary travelers. This service is usually offered at airports or in downtown areas of most major cities. Money changers make their money by charging an exchange fee or through a commission. In Europe they are commonly known as Bureau De Change or the Exchange Office. Most people who have used money changers outside airports or major institutions such as banks often have very negative things to say about money changers. They view them as cheaters and thieves who use every trick in the book to make the most from you. They take advantage of innocent travelers who do not know the country and may not even understand the local currency. They promise good rates to lure people in, just to take advantage of them. The common theme among many international travelers is "never trust money changers".

In Jesus' days money changers were no different than today's Bureau De Change, they provided a much needed service. Since Jerusalem was under Roman occupation the currency commonly used was the Roman currency; however, the Jewish religious authorities required that the temple tax be paid in the Hebrew currency. Money changers were allowed to set up shop within the temple as a convenience for the people so that they could exchange their money without having to leave the temple. Along with the money changers were merchants who sold various animals such as doves, sheep, etc. that were required for sacrifice. What was intended as an act of convenience became an enterprise of greed that took advantage of those who desired to honor God for the benefit of greedy entrepreneurs and priests.

This angered Jesus Christ who was filled with compassion for the people. So, He made a whip to chase the money changers and merchants out of the temple and overthrew their tables. This was the only recorded time in the Bible where Jesus Christ openly demonstrated anger. He was not angry when He was tempted by the devil, He was not angry when he was betrayed by Judas and rejected by the disciples, He was not angry when he was wrongfully accused before the Roman officials nor was he angry when He was prosecuted, persecuted and executed. The fact that He became angry at the money changers and the priests for taking advantage of the people of God and for using godliness as a means of gain, shows the heart of Jesus when it comes to His people and His Father.

Are you a money changer? Well, you may think, "I'm not in the business of exchanging currency for profit." Money changers are not people who just exchange currency for profit, but anyone who renders a service purely motivated by greed or who uses the things of God for personal gain.

As a Biblical Entrepreneur your motivation must be love and you must use the things of God to serve others for the benefit of God's kingdom. Though many start out with this motivation, along the way something happens which turns them from being God-fearing to greed-driven entrepreneurs. Here are seven things to keep in mind that can help you avoid becoming a money changer:

1. Put God's will first in everything you do
2. Serving people must be your focus
3. Always keep your motives pure
4. Resist the temptations of success
5. Develop godly contentment
6. Exercise wise stewardship
7. Remain in the Word of God and prayer

Keeping these seven things in mind will protect you from
becoming a money changer and help you avoid facing the wrath of Jesus Christ.