1 Tim5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. KJV
DOUBLE HONOUR- WELFARISM ( a)
Are preachers of the gospel entitled to a good welfare package? This is one subject I often shy away from and I noticed some believers do not like to hear anything that has to do with appreciating preachers of the gospel and ensuring their welfare is well catered for. However, to answer that question truthfully, we need to find the answer in scriptures not in what people are saying in the media. In the opening text, apostle Paul admonished that leaders( especially preachers and teachers) should be counted worthy of double honour. The phrase "double honour" in the opening text is from the Greek "diplous timé". It means to add monetary value. Literally, Apostle Paul was saying that the leaders should be well paid because he used the word "double". The following verse buttresses that: *"For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “THOSE WHO WORK DESERVE THEIR PAY!” (1 Timothy 5:18 NLT). Paul said this in context of paying preachers.
That said, we need to look at other scriptures. In support of taking good care of preachers, Paul also said, "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. In the same way, THE LORD ORDERED that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it."(1 Cor 9:13-14 NLT). Can you see that it is the Lord himself that ordered preachers to be supported by those who benefit( you and me) from it? These are not my words but God's word through Paul. If you believe other bible doctrines but hate scriptures such as these, then you don't believe and accept the authority of the word of God as a whole. Let's not bother ourselves about greedy elements who have turned ministry to their cash cow. For those people, the Lord will judge. The more we focus on them, the more we would be blinded towards those who are genuinely doing the work and deserve our support.
I once met a minister who said he won't allow his children go into the ministry because of the suffering he had encountered in his denomination. Even though I'm not in support of his decision but I know he made that statement because of suffering. Ministry drains ministers, even their finances. There are faithful missionaries in places with very poor economy doing their assignment yet no support. I know so many missionaries who are not on the pay roll of any ministry, yet God has placed upon us the duty of supporting them. Don't join the bandwagon of those that pray that God should keep their Pastors poor so that he can be humble or so that he can suffer for Christ. Poverty is not akin to suffering for Christ. Your spiritual leader should labour over you joyfully knowing that his needs are met. I hate to hear about preachers struggling to pay house rent or children's school fees. Such doesn't bring glory to God and It may be a pointer to the laxity of the brethren in the area of giving. No soldier goes to war at his expense, not even the foot soldiers of hell. Why should we neglect our own? The truth is that a genuine leader won't place his financial burdens on the people neither will he coerce people to give but their silence shouldn't be taken for granted. You have a biblical duty to provide for the needs of your spiritual leaders.
PRAYER Father, I receive the grace to live up to your expectation in this regard in Jesus name.