"In the same way, the Lord gave orders (directed) that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it." (1 Corinthians 9:14--NLT)
Do you benefit "from it?" My life, now, and in the life to come depends on this lifesaving Gospel of Jesus Christ. So does yours. Remember when you were lost, headed to the fires of Hell, and that person led you to Jesus? And what about all of those "Fivefold" ministries who have fed and sustained you in pastoral care, teaching, and represented you in the nations over the years? Are you supporting such "benefit?"
In a factory-assembly line-"workers" (which usually means people with dirt under their finger nails and calloused hands) culture, people who do not earn their living "by the sweat of your brow" are not really considered workers; hence, they don't deserve the money they receive. I can still remember the uproar in the labor unions at Iacocca's receiving an $800,000 bonus. To me it was a small price to pay for the man who saved Chrysler----------------------------------- and all those labor union jobs!
Just watch the money trail in your life, and you will discover what your values are, and what you really value. Don't follow the "worship," the praying, the Bible reading, or "my ministry" trail. That trail many times can reveal just your preferences, not your convictions. Isn't it, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also?!?" And could we dare say, "Where your heart is, there your treasure is?!?"
Be encouraged-- the next time you pay your tithes and offerings, remember that you are obeying our Lord Jesus Christ, Who "gave the orders that those who preach the Gospel should be supported by those who benefit from it."
Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit, show me my true values today. Amen.
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