Dear Friends,
Back in 2001, in testimony before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging, the Chief of the Financial Crimes Section of the FBI stated, “The FBI has identified elder fraud and fraud against those suffering from serious illness as two of the most insidious of all white collar crimes being perpetrated by today’s modern and high tech con-man. The losses inflicted by these unscrupulous con-men and their organizations are both financially and emotionally devastating to these victims.”
Today, senior citizens are even more at risk. Even with the most sophisticated security software, odds are we will receive emails, texts, or telephone calls that have been carefully crafted to relieve us of our money. I repeat the warning you have probably heard a thousand times, “Don’t click on anything that comes to you from a source you do not know and trust.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Deuteronomy 5:11
An especially troubling form of senior abuse involves attempts by those who wrap themselves in the name of God or Jesus to solicit funds for their personal use. We have seen this with some televangelists who collect millions of dollars, only to spend a significant portion for personal luxuries. On a more direct level, we sometimes interact with people who proclaim to be good Christians, but whose intentions may be selfish.
Recently, Bonnie was approached by someone she knew only casually, who asked her for her email address, so she could share a “personal concern.” Assuming the person needed advice or prayer, Bonnie provided her email address.
A few days later, she received a carefully crafted email that made a subtle appeal for financial assistance. The warning bells started going off for us when the person wrapped the request in an effusive reliance on Bonnie’s faith: “The Lord will provide; the email seemed to say — and He would provide through Bonnie.”
Although it wasn’t stated, as I read the email, I could almost feel the person invoking the words of James: Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:15-17 (NIV)
As Christians, we pray God will show us ways to reflect his love to those around us; but there were strong clues in the email that this person saw Bonnie not just as a caring Christian, but as someone whose faith could be parlayed into a payout. Especially concerning was the person’s request that Bonnie not tell anyone about the matter. Bon’s motto: If I can’t shout it from the rooftop, I shouldn’t do it!
Bonnie is generous and desirous of doing God’s will, but she is also prudent.
The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. Proverbs 14:15
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
Like Bonnie and me, you may struggle to know the will of God when someone approaches with a request for help. These are some steps we use as we try to discern the truth.
Pray: Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Seek Counsel: Proverbs 15:22 tells us, Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. When it comes to financial matters, it is prudent to seek the advice of those you trust.
Feel Peaceful: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Finally: Give what you wish to the poor and needy, but nary a cent to the selfish or greedy.
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 