13Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)
Thoughts: The priests in the Temple were told in scripture to receive their payment for doing the Lord's work. Leviticus speaks of the priests doing the work at the Temple allowing them to eat a portion (Lev. 6:16,18,26). Numbers mentions that the priests should get a portion of the offerings (Numbers 5:9; 18:8,31). When ministers/priests/clergy are allowed to get paid for their work full time, it allows them the time and focus they need to answer the calling. If a minister has a family, then it takes the worry away from doing the Lord's work and still supporting them. The churches that do not have a full time minister are about half as likely to grow. The preaching, teaching, and pastoral care cannot be done well, even in a small church, part time. It is a risky thing for a church to invest in a minister (or a new associate), but when everyone pulls together to get it done, On the one hand, ministers are not simply hired hands but shepherds who love the sheep. Ministers should work not for fame or popularity or money. They will be disappointed in all of those things. Ministers ultimately work because it is their calling and to glorify and enjoy God.
Prayer: Lord, raise up ministers who are willing to answer the call and do the work.
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