Not Greedy for Gain: Leading Without Self-Interest

"For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless—not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not greedy for gain..."
—Titus 1:7

Paul's list of spiritual leadership traits continues with something both ancient and modern: greed.

It’s easy to assume this is just a financial warning—don’t be a corrupt church leader. And yes, that’s part of it. But Paul is aiming at something deeper. He’s warning against a heart driven by self-interest—a person who treats people and ministry like tools to build a personal empire.

In contrast, Christian leadership must be marked by generosity, simplicity, and stewardship, not personal gain.

What Does “Not Greedy for Gain” Mean?

The Greek word here is αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs), meaning:

“shamefully greedy for material gain”
or “using ministry or position for personal enrichment”

It refers to those who use their position to profit—whether financially, socially, or in reputation. The Church is not a platform to exploit. It is a place to serve.

Why It Matters in the Church

From the early days of the Church, there’s been concern about spiritual leaders who abuse their role for money or influence. Paul dealt with this in Corinth. Peter addressed it as well:

“Shepherd the flock of God among you… not for shameful gain, but eagerly.”
—1 Peter 5:2

In Catholic theology, leadership is always tied to service and sacrifice, not status or wealth. That’s why:

• Bishops take vows of simplicity.

• Deacons serve the poor before they teach.

• The Church calls us to view money as a tool, not a god.

“The disordered desire for money cannot be justified by any means. It leads to injustice and idolatry.”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2536–2537

When greed creeps into the heart of a leader, it distorts their decisions, compromises their witness, and turns God’s people into a means to an end.

Jesus and the Way of Generosity

Jesus had nowhere to lay His head. He emptied Himself. He told His followers not to store up treasures on earth—but to live with open hands and hearts.

He didn’t build wealth. He built people.
And His kingdom doesn’t advance through riches, but through reliance—on God, on grace, on daily bread.

This doesn’t mean that money is evil, or that leaders must live in poverty. But it does mean that leaders should be free from the need to grasp—and quick to give.

A Word to the Restless

Maybe this qualification hits closer to home than we’d like to admit. You don’t have to be rich to struggle with greed. Sometimes our obsession with “more” is hidden under the mask of “providing” or “earning” or “dreaming big.”

But Paul’s reminder is this: if gain is your goal, you can’t lead God’s people well. You’ll end up using others, not serving them.

True leadership gives freely—because it knows it already has everything in Christ.

Final Thoughts

Paul’s warning against greed is a call to simplicity and trust. Not just for elders in the church, but for anyone trying to lead like Jesus.

You can’t serve both God and mammon.
You can’t love people and use them at the same time.

So ask yourself—what drives you?

Let the gospel re-center your heart—not on what you can accumulate, but on what you’ve already received in Christ.

Reflection Questions:

• Are there ways I treat people or ministry as a means to personal success?

• Do I lead with open hands, or a clenched fist?

• Where might God be inviting me to practice generosity or simplicity this week?