************

There's an epidemic sweeping,
Across the land…today;
Not of physical magnitude,
But, a spiritual malady.

In olden days…called money-changers,
In God's temple…sold their wares;
Still, today it continues,
And, nobody seems to care.

Acceptable behavior to nearly everyone,
All done in the name of God;
Hiding behind a cloak of deceit,
Why don't we think that odd?

Chills and thrills…we look for,
We run here and we run there;
In search of bigger…better "miracles",
We get caught in their snare.

With their hands out,
And larger collection plates;
For their services…we'll gladly pay,
Hook, line, and sinker…we swallow the bait!

Scripture says we've freely received,
And, those gifts…we must freely give;
Pass on to those around us,
Not off of us…should they live.

Money-changers…still among us,
'Though wearing a different disquise;
Feeding off of our need,
O LORD…please open our eyes.

Money-changers…everywhere,
Not just in God's temple;
On television…radio…tapes,
Their strategies are just more subtle.

For, if they truly did receive,
One or more of God's gifts;
Then, freely they would…in return,
Also, freely give.

And, if their gift is truly,
Truly from our LORD;
They'd not make merchandise,
Of what they'd received from God.

********

Dec. 27, 2000

Aimee Love
(LHG)