Matthew 10:9-10 (ESV)
[9] Acquire
no gold or silver or copper for your belts, [10] no bag for your
journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for
the laborer deserves his food.
There
are two important principles in these two short verses. First is the principle
that ministry is not about money. It is rare, but I have met a few individuals
who thought that ministry would be an easy way to make a good living. And of
course, there are those who have grown wealthy off the backs of believers. Even
though they receive a lot of press, they are the exception not the norm for
people in ministry. Despite the accusation that all churches are interested in
is money, I have met very few people that are in ministry for the money. I
could have made more money doing almost anything except what I have done with
my life as a pastor. But God does not call people to ministry to make them
rich. He calls them to serve. “You received without paying, give without pay” (Mt.
10:8).
The
second principle is that those who are being ministered to should financially
provide for those who are ministering, “The laborer deserves his food.” Many congregations
act as though it is their responsibility to keep their pastor poor. Few congregations
understand the hours that pastors put in nor the tears they shed for their
congregations. A friend was complaining that he often had to work 60 or more
hours a week. I know few pastors that put in less than that in ministry. In
fact, I know many that put in 40+ hours a week in ministry and then work a
second job just to pay the bills. 80+ hours a week is not unusual for them.
Pastors,
missionaries, and ministers, do not serve for the money. Ministry is a calling
not a job. “Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your
journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff.” Congregations, do not keep your
pastors poor. Recognize their value and provide well for them, “for the laborer
deserves his food.”
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