DO THESE TO YOUR MINISTER OFTEN Pt.9
Gal6:6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.NLT
THE LORD COMMANDED IT
Whenever we preach or teach about taking care of our ministers and those that labour in doctrine, it is not something we make up to draw sympathy neither are we emphasizing it for self gain. Actually, it is one of the several commands or instructions given by God. In 1 Corinthians9:14, apostle Paul made a profound statement worth considering. He said: "In the same way, THE LORD ORDERED that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it". It is an order( command) from the Lord not any preacher. The Lord commanded that those who benefit from the ministry of a minister should support him. This scripture is in the heart of the new testament.
Right from the old testament, God made it clear to the children of Israel that the Levites were to take certain sacred portions of offerings brought into the temple. It was God's ordained means of taking care of their needs so they could focus on the work of the ministry. If God had so great a plan for ministers of death, how much more the ministers of the new covenant?(2Cor3:6-7). We cannot claim to be obedient to the total counsel of God and neglect this vital aspect. The world and some Christians are trying to be philosophical about issues such as this but no matter how hard they try, the scriptures cannot be broken.
You cannot be selective in your obedience. If the Lord says it, you must do it. Listen to Paul again, "Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings"(1 Corinthians 9:13 NLT). Why is it so? It is simple- the Lord commanded it. If you're privileged to sit in your church council, whenever ministers welfare is being discussed, don't join the bandwagon of those who love to use lack and poverty to cut their pastors to size. Such persons don't end well. The Psalmist says, "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity (well-being) of his servant" (Psalms 35:27, Emphasis mine).
If you've not been supporting the welfare of ministers, please turn a new leaf. Knowing that the Lord commanded it.