Does the restraint of Truth bring profit?

It seems that many restrain Truth because of the shame it brings to the old man. Subsequently, the old nature does not want to feel shame and stays away from Truth that shines a bright light on sin. This timeless cycle creates a market opportunity for false prophets to assuage shame with a “religious” message of misinterpreted mercy AND make a profit!?

The false prophets in Micah’s day rebuked him for his message of judgment, which brought shame to their constituents. The false prophets presumed upon the Chesed love and mercy of Jehovahs covenant with His people.

Micah 2:6

Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy:

They shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.

Many pastors and churches selectively pick and choose Truth that will not bring shame to their assemblies and confront the old nature that must be cast off in sanctification, but tickle the ears by providing a one-dimensional view of Christs love and mercy (Mic.2:7, Rom.6:1).

Come to find out, the false prophets in Micah’s day were primarily concerned about protecting the profit they received from their constituents. They provided a misinterpreted message of mercy that gave a false sense of security for them to continue in sin. Furthermore, it must be noted that there were plenty of constituents that were willing to pay to hear the type of “truth” that assuaged the guilt of sinning against Gods Word.

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward,

And the priests thereof teach for hire,

And the prophets thereof divine for money:

Yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say,

Is not the Lord among us?

None evil can come upon us.

Could it be that pastors and churches in 2022 are beholden to financial income of the masses who seek to have their consciences assuaged by Biblical misinterpretation instead of challenged by Truth?

Does the restraint of Truth really bring profit? For a period of time, yes. Ultimately, the LORD would judge sin, despite the soft message that insulated the masses from the Truth. The Truth of Gods Word is that He judges sin and provides great mercy to those that turn to Him from sin.

Micah 3:12

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field,

And Jerusalem shall become heaps,

And the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

Unfortunately, many “churches” and “pastors” restrain certain Truths that are particularly not palatable to 21st century American Christianity (divorce/remarriage, alcohol consumption, church accountability). The result - large crowds of people interested in lukewarm, conservative American religiosity. Large crowds of attendees bring necessary funds to finance capital-heavy operations (mainly through inconsistent donations, not faithful tithing). Despite pragmatic efforts and temporary success, apostasy is a slippery slope that only leads to destruction.

Truth provides light in the darkness for the lost, and demands the believer cast off the flesh and conform to Christ. Truth is NOT attractive to the deceitfully wicked and proud heart. Let us consider if we are attracted to ALL Truth or misinterpreted truth.