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 (c)
I saw something that caught my attention in Luke 8 about the ministry of Jesus. One may think that being God in human flesh, he got all he needed for ministry "supernaturally". We may be tempted to think angels supplied all his needs and brought down heavenly supplies to him per time. Have you thought like that too? Though such may have happened but it was not recorded for us to read. We cannot teach or build doctrine on assumptions. Whatever we teach must be rooted firmly in the written word of God. So, how did Jesus and his disciples sustain themselves financially during their earthly ministry? Let's read Luke 8:3: "Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples." NLT
From the scriptures above, Jesus Christ our Lord received continuous support from women who were blessed by his ministry. May God bless Christian women who sacrifice to see God's work continue and those who ensure God's servant doesn't lack basic amenities. The women mentioned in the latter text saw it as a duty they owed Jesus. They did not support Jesus and the disciples once but we were told they did it continuously considering the continuous tense "contributing". In fact, Jesus' ministry on earth had a purse. Judas was the treasurer(John13:29). From the records, the disciples left all to follow Jesus Christ and to be part of his ministry. It was obvious that some were married, at least we read about Peter's mother-in-law(Luke4:38-41). How would they have sustained their families working with Jesus full time if there was no support coming from the brethren?
How effective do you want your pastor to be? A man that goes hunting very early and returns late at night may not have enough time for the word and prayer. If the early believers deemed it fit to support their ministers, our generation shouldn't break that tradition. If you're privileged to be on the board or committee of your church where ministers welfare matters are decided, ensure you take the right decision with Christian consideration. How people feel or what they're saying in the media about preachers shouldn't blind us from doing the right thing to our ministers. There will always be fakes and belly-driven ministers. However, if your pastor/ minister is genuine and has been a tremendous blessing to you, be a blessing to him by doing the right thing henceforth. No matter how little your gift may be. The heart of giving matters more than the size of the gift.
Father, I receive the grace to act on this message in Jesus name.