​Generosity and gullibility.

Scripture:
"How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”
Exodus 32:8 NLT
"So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project."
Exodus 36:6‭-‬7 NLT

Application:
Church people are usually extremely generous. When it came time to build God's Temple, the Israelites had to be told to stop their giving! But these were the same people who had excitedly given their gold to make the pagan calf. The willingness to give was there, but the spiritual discipline was lacking.
This is still the problem when gullible and naive people are left to wolves who too often find their way into the pulpit, revival tent, or TV screen. The people are exploited and the glory they should be giving to God is diverted to the crooks.

Prayer:
Father, we pray for the truth to come out about church giving and for Your people to be led by righteous and honest leaders. Amen.