Monday, December 3, 2007

1 Corinthians 9:11-14

"If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more. Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel."

It is not unspiritual to make your living by the gospel. Those who profit spiritually from a minister of the gospel should be willing to compensate him materially. Of how much greater value are the spiritual blessings that come through him than the material blessings that you are able to give back? The spiritual blessings are eternal and cannot be taken away. The physical blessings are temporary and can easily be lost. The spiritual blessings can fill a void in your life that no object can ever fill. And the spiritual blessings bring you closer to Christ. Physical blessings only give you strength to pursue those true blessings in Christ.


While it is perfectly acceptable for those who give their life for the ministry of the gospel to make their living by the gospel, one should never enter the gospel ministry merely to earn a living. The minister should be more concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of the flock God has entrusted him with than his paycheck. But the flock should provide him with a paycheck. It is the least they can do for one who gives them so much.

1 comment:

loukness said...

My mind goes back to a statement made by a man and his wife who traveled about forty-five minutes to go to church every week. They traveled to a smaller church to serve and be a blessing.

After hearing their motivation, another man and I commented that the pastor of their church was blessed to have them. They responded by indicating that it was the other way around.