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 ( b)
There's an Apostolic tradition that our generation must not jettison for modernism especially on the issue of taking good care of ministers of the Gospel. I cannot even share all of such traditions here but in church history, there was a system put in place by the church and the brethren for the welfare of her leaders. I doubt if the early Apostles thought about how to feed their families and make ends meet. They faced the work fully. Apostle Paul told the Galatian brethren that: "Those who are taught the word of God( You and I) should provide for their teachers, sharing ALL good things with them." ( Gal6:6 NLT- Emphasis mine).
Under the law, we saw how God made adequate provisions for the priests through the various offerings brought to the temple( Lev2:10, 1Cor9:13) and from tithes. If God could do this for ministers of death and condemnation ( 2Cor3:7), how much more for ministers of the spirit who carry grace and spread the fragrance of his knowledge. One of the arguments put up against this subject is that Paul worked with his hands and did not receive support from the Corinthian church(1Cor 9:12) but in 2 Cor 11:8, we saw that Paul took wages from other churches: "I robbed other churches, taking WAGES of them, to do you service." His arrangement in Corinth was the exception, not the rule.
Most of us love to pray the Pauline prayer of provision in Philippians4:19 but we fail to realize that Paul prayed that prayer because the brethren in Philippian church supplied his needs: "As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:15, 18 NLT). If the early church did this( supporting their ministers) because it was the right thing to do, the present day church should not neglect this holy practice. Be a blessing to your pastor, to that missionary serving in distant land and to genuine servants of God. It is rewarding. If you're in doubt, ask the Shunamite woman(2 kings4:8-37).
Father, I receive the grace to be a blessing to your servants in Jesus name. Amen.