BURDEN OR BLESSING
II Corinthians 11:7-9
"Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked, the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you and so I will keep myself."
It is a principle of the church that those who are ministered to are to financially support those who minister (I Timothy 5:17-18). However, the minister cannot put a price on his ministry. If a candidate for a pastorate demands a certain salary and benefit package as a requisite for his labor, then he is not worthy of being a shepherd. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Any other kind of shepherd is a hireling and only in the ministry for financial reward (John 11-13). It may mean that the minister will be in financial need, but God will supply from other sources. The preacher can either be a blessing or a burden. Paul was determined to not be a burden. I want to be a blessing, not a burden.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The person who puts a price tag on his ministry is not worthy of his calling.
[end]
Have a blessing day. Love you.
II Corinthians 11:7-9
"Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked, the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you and so I will keep myself."
It is a principle of the church that those who are ministered to are to financially support those who minister (I Timothy 5:17-18). However, the minister cannot put a price on his ministry. If a candidate for a pastorate demands a certain salary and benefit package as a requisite for his labor, then he is not worthy of being a shepherd. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Any other kind of shepherd is a hireling and only in the ministry for financial reward (John 11-13). It may mean that the minister will be in financial need, but God will supply from other sources. The preacher can either be a blessing or a burden. Paul was determined to not be a burden. I want to be a blessing, not a burden.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The person who puts a price tag on his ministry is not worthy of his calling.
[end]
Have a blessing day. Love you.
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