God judges Christian teachers by a strict standard. (James 3:1) The story of A Poor Widow illustrates the faith to give all she had and to rely upon God to provide for her. Her very faith makes her easy prey to unscrupulous teachers. 

There have always been people who take advantage of those who are willing to give sacrificially to do God's work. While they take from those least able to afford to give, they justify living an excessive lifestyle. 

I have to admire Billy Graham. He never succumbed to the temptation to build a million-dollar-plus estate as some have done. His integrity has contributed to his credibility among Christians and non-Christians alike. 

We must always strive for the faith the poor widow demonstrated, but we should check the credibility of teachers and organizations before we give.* 

God shows us with the poor widow's example that he will honor faith like hers. He also promises to punish those who exploit that faith. 

*For an online resource see www.isitso.org Also check on this month's book review, Field Guide to the Wild World of Religion by Pam Dewey.