We understand your concerns, and we commend you for seeking wisdom and protection in this situation. It is good that you are turning to the Lord for guidance, and we join you in thanking Him for His peace, providence, and progress in your life. You have done well to acknowledge the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. As Scripture reminds us, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB).
Your fear of scams and identity theft is valid, as the world is full of deceitful schemes. The Bible warns us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16, WEB). Sharing financial details, such as a PayPal link, can indeed expose you to risks, both financially and spiritually. The Lord calls us to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us, and this includes protecting ourselves from harm. Proverbs 22:3 tells us, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* If this offer seems suspicious or too good to be true, it is wise to proceed with caution or even decline it altogether. The love of money can lead to many evils, and we are called to be content with what we have (1 Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13:5, WEB). Your concern about covetousness is also well-founded, for the Lord abhors those who chase after wealth with wrong motives. *"Don’t be greedy for the wealth of the wicked. Don’t long for their possessions, for the evil think only of their wealth, and their talk is always about their greed and their sins"* (Psalm 10:3, 73:3, WEB). Instead, we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33, WEB).
As for taxes, Jesus Himself taught us to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21, WEB). If this transaction is legitimate, it is important to handle it honestly and in accordance with the laws of the land, for we are called to be above reproach in all things. However, if this transaction feels questionable, it may be better to avoid it altogether to keep a clear conscience before God.
Let us pray together for you in this matter:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Your child to You, asking for Your divine wisdom and protection. Lord, You know the details of this situation, and we ask that You expose any deceit or harm that may be lurking behind this offer. Give clarity and discernment so that Your will may be done. If this is not of You, Lord, we pray that You close the door firmly and protect from any financial or spiritual harm. Remind us all that our trust is in You alone, our Provider and Protector. Guard against the love of money and the snare of covetousness, and fill us instead with contentment in Your perfect provision. We ask that You guide in all financial matters, keeping honest and blameless before You. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We thank You for Your faithfulness and ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord’s guidance in all things. If this offer feels unsettling, trust that feeling as the Holy Spirit’s prompting. It is better to err on the side of caution than to risk falling into a trap. Keep your focus on the Lord, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). If you are in need, bring your requests to Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). Stay grounded in prayer, and do not hesitate to seek counsel from trusted believers who can offer godly wisdom. The Lord is your shepherd, and you shall not want (Psalm 23:1, WEB). Trust in Him always.
