1Tim5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” NIV
WHAT IS DOUBLE HONOUR?
For several years, I read this portion of scriptures but I didn't know the exact meaning. My understanding was limited to the way it was rendered in English language. I thought double honour meant special reverence or respect for ministers of the gospel but studies made me realize that Paul meant differently. The phrase "double honour" in the Greek is "diplous time". It means to pay someone with the value of money. In context, Paul was advocating for proper care of ministers of the Gospel through payment and good welfare. Yes, that's what he meant and nothing more. This injunction of Paul to believers is what so many are attacking vehemently today. Some persons who are privileged to be chosen into the church board/ council will stop at nothing to oppose an improvement in their Pastor's welfare. If you're like this, stop it.
Since the "revolution" against certain scriptural practices started, I noticed that some church folks disregarded scriptural injunctions that talked about giving to their pastors because someone has told them all preachers are in ministry for their pocket. Hey! Not all are in ministry for their pocket and you can easily know this by careful observation. Such persons enjoy messages on other themes of scriptures but the moment we touch on issues like this, they may say, "That preacher has become greedy". When he was preaching holiness, sanctification, et al, he was pure in their eyes but on this, he has become a money monger. Whether you like it or not, this is part of the whole counsel of God we must teach even though we don't major on it. Same apostle Paul said, "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God", Acts 20:27. If we exclude this and preach other themes, we would not be delivering the total counsel of God.
Dearest, God's word to you and me is that we should consider those who labour over us in preaching and teaching worthy of double honour. This include field missionaries and those from whom you draw spiritual nourishment either through their books, writings ( online/ offline) and counsel. Sometimes, when I look at those who forsook all to go to the mission field in extreme place where nothing is happening economically, I see men who deserve our constant support. I know so many missionaries working on the field of souls without pay. Not because they don't want to receive but their sending agencies cannot afford it. They are front line soldiers at the battle field, they don't have time for civilian affairs ( business) because of the nature of their calling yet some believers see them as "misguided overzealous lots". Listen to Paul: "Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?...", 1Cor9:7. The answer is "NO". There's no soldier who goes to war at his own expense. Let's become bible Christians who follow what is commanded in scriptures. There will always be abuses in matters like this but that shouldn't take our eyes off those who are doing it right. Don't try to be socially correct and be scripturally wrong. I call you blessed.
Since the year began, what have you done to support your Pastor and others who nourish you spiritually? Have you supported a field missionary?