Psalm 35:27 *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 of his servant*
*THE EXCESSES* (e)
I must re establish that it is God's will for his servants to be catered for properly. He made provisions for that in scriptures. We owe our ministers a duty to care for and see to their welfare. The poverty of a minister does not glorify God in any way. Those who think poverty will make a preacher more spiritual are mistaken.
However, ministers should not over stretch this scriptural provision. Truth stretched beyond limit can lead into extremes. Some ministers stretch the truth about their welfare provisions beyond limit, today, what we have is disorder in that regard. Let us examine another excess.
*5#. Over Compensation*
The first time I heard about over compensation was through Pastor Temi Ola. He explained that there is a tendency for a preacher who has suffered in ministry to over compensate himself with luxury and money when God blesses his ministry.
When God's blessing comes upon his ministry, he might excessively demand/ take things to compensate for the sufferings of the past. This is greed wearing the garb of "do you know what I suffered to grow this ministry to this point"? At this point, ostentatious living begins and acquisition of things not needed will be the order of the day.
I agree that a preacher's life and welfare must get better as the Lord blesses his ministry. It is normal that there should be an upward increase as the Lord blesses his ministry. However, there is a limit to this.
Over compensation seems justified when the sufferings of the past is considered but beneath is greed, carnal cravings and love for this present world. Some ministers are only conservative because they don't have the money to fund a loud lifestyle yet. If plenty money comes their way, they will paint the town red
When over compensation sets in, the kingdom will no longer be the focus. Monies that should be spent for outreaches, missions, widows and other important kingdom task may be diverted into the coffers of one man to over compensate him because he thinks he is deserving of it citing his years of suffering.
Dear minister, beware of over compensation.
Father, deliver me from over compensation in Jesus name.