been thinking about- non-profits

Recently, I tivo'd an occurrence of "Good Morning America." I usually do not watch this show, especially on a Sunday morning as it was. However, I had turned the television on while eating breakfast and saw that one of the stories they were going to cover that morning was regarding televangelists, non-profit organizations and the way they spend their money.

In short, this segment explained that apparently the government and governmental officials have been concerned about the way that non-profit organizations- particularly the multi-million dollar ones- many wrapped around televangelists- are spending the tax-free dollars they rake in. They showed, to hit one particular, a televangelist who petitioned the watchers of his program to donate 20 million dollars to buy a private jet for (essentially) him to use. He pledged that it was only going to be used for the glory of Jesus Christ. Shortly after buying the jet, it was used to fly him to a conference he was speaking at in Australia. On the way there- multi-day layover in Maui.

Boy, it sure stinks to suffer for Jesus.

They all claim, however, that they operate within the legal tax limits and laws.

So, as I watched this, I thought- shame on them. I'd welcome any comments on this, please- but I can't help but think how the Bible calls us as Christians to live lives that are above reproach. How much more so for leaders of such large ministries should they be above that. If the government is going to be launching inquiries or auditing these companies because of supposed illegalities, it does not matter any more if what they have done is legal! The standard set by the government of legal or not is considerably less than what most Christians would consider to be right or moral. So, if the government is concerned that their rules are not being met, how much more should heads be hung, apologies be offered and confession and repentance be made.

a question for those who look for something specific to which to respond- Just because the law allows it, does that mean that the non-profit money these organizations take in is being spent in beneficial ways for the Kingdom?