Philippians 4:17
I am a missionary. I have served in missionary roles several
times throughout my ministry. I also teach missionaries regularly. One of the significant
parts of serving as a missionary is support raising. It is also the hardest and
most intimidating part of the ministry. No self-respecting missionary wants to beg
for money. No one I know in the ministry wants to think about money, let alone let
it become our focus. Yet it is a necessary part of life and ministry. That is
nothing new.
The Apostle Paul’s ministry was sometimes funded by
tentmaking, but largely dependent on the gifts of others. His perspective,
however, was not for his own comfort. He had learned to live with much and with
little. His life was not focused on the money, but on the ministry. I know a
few big name ministries that appear to be more interested in money than in
ministry. I only know them by what I read, so I want to be careful in my judgment.
What I do know is that although pastors and missionaries are often accused of
being in it for the money, I’ve never met one yet of whom that were true. The
consensus of those I know in ministry is that if you are in ministry for the
money, you chose the wrong profession. These hard-working pastors and
missionaries are in ministry solely because they sensed God’s call to ministry
and because they have a heart for God and for those whom they serve. Many serve
sacrificially while living in poverty themselves.
That is expressed well in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “I
don't say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a
reward for your kindness” (Ph’p 4:17). If you know a missionary or a pastor,
consider supporting them. Your financial support results in ministry done all
over the world and carries God’s promise of provision for you. I’m not talking
about the health and wealth promises of television preachers, but Paul, under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit did write, “And my God will supply every
need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Ph’p 4:19).
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