Have you noticed the arrogance of some preachers? They parade around as if they’re the most important God giving commodity to advance the kingdom of God. They feel that their role for advancing God’s kingdom entitles them to receive lucrative amounts of money for their services.
They misinterpret scriptures like (1 Tim 5:18), to cajole the congregation in giving them more money. They use scriptures like: Don’t muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward (1 Tim 5:18) in attempt to manipulate the vulnerable. These scriptures were never designed to make the pastor rich, but rather designed to help assist the pastor financially to allow him to devote more time doing the work of the Lord.
In (Acts 20:22, 23), The apostle Paul said for preaching the gospel, the only thing that awaited him was bonds and affliction. He also said that none of these things moved him, neither count he his life dear unto himself, so that he might finish his course with joy, … which he had received of the Lord Jesus…
What if the reward for preaching the gospel today was still persecution, bonds and affliction like in the biblical days. Would there be as many people claiming to be called to preach? What if there was little to no money at all given to preachers for preaching the gospel today?
We live in a time where preaching has become a big business. We are constantly bombardiered with the continuous begging for money week after week. They beg for money in “The Name of The Lord”, but in reality many preachers use the money for self gains.
The Apostle Paul stated that his reward for preaching the gospel was persecution. All of the other 12 disciples received persecution as well for preaching the gospel. And when we look at the life of Jesus, we see that His reward on earth was persecution for preaching the gospel, even to the death of the cross. Jesus, who is our perfect example did not receive lots of money for proclaiming God’s word, so why should anyone else? He said foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head.
We have been adequately warned in the Bible that these days would come. (Acts 20:29) Paul said, For I know this, that after my departure, shall greedy wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
We have been warned, and greedy preachers are here to stay. So be wise with your resources. For the Bible says in (Prov 4:7), Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
BE BLESSED!
The reason I write the things that I do is because of the great love that I have for the people of God. And I’d rather be hated by the wolves dressed up in sheep’s clothing, than sit back and watch them take advantage of God’s people.
1 Response to A Preacher’s Reward
Leave a Reply
June 20th, 2008 at 10:58 am
” And I’d rather be hated by the wolves dressed up in sheep’s clothing, than sit back and watch them take advantage of God’s people.”
A man with convictions!, knowing that Paul the apostle asked for money to help the poor saints elsewhere.
1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Cr 16:2 Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1Cr 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Too many think that they are ENTITLED just because…., but this is not the gist of what is meant. There is no proper distribution by the stewards who recieve of the masses that collect offerings, why?, because if so then why do we need welfare & medicare?, because they are hoarding the money that they recieve unto themselves for the most part!.
But this much I know, God is not mocked!