bySince I was a little boy, I’ve heard countless people repeatedly say “sharing is caring”. While I don’t see any scriptural connection to this saying, I think it makes a lot of sense in life. Why do I say that? People tend to be generous to people they genuinely care about. Right? But do you know that amongst the categories of people that receive the generous gifts from their loved ones, pastors are the least?
Many people love to hear new sermons from their pastors every single week. But in reality, only a few people care about their welfare. That has turned the ministry into a place of heavy sacrifice from the called of God, of which some aren’t comfortable with. Well, yes, I guess it’s essential to understand that ministry is full of sacrifice. However, there are some privileges in Christ for ministers too, and if you are unaware of them or do not insist on them, you won’t enjoy them. One of them is what Paul shared in Galatians 6:6 (NKJV), which says,
[6] “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”
Galatians 6:6 (NKJV)
The inconsiderate hearts of some congregants
In the verse above, Apostle Paul was speaking to believers about how they ought to honour their pastors. It’s clear that scripture says that pastors who share God’s Word with congregants are eligible to receive material possessions from them. But the truth is, how many believers do this? Everybody likes to feed from their pastors without considering their material welfare. Well, that isn’t good. But I also don’t blame them. Why? Many believers, especially those who are physically mature and actively working, don’t study the Bible consistently. So, they don’t know this spiritual obligation on them. They show up, mainly on Sundays, give their offerings, pay tithes (some even don’t pay it), and leave. If the pastor sees them again, it will be next week. Yes, shepherding goes beyond people coming to church. Pastors should also visit their church members at random. Until the members know that you, as a pastor, care deeply about them, they won’t even make space for you in their hearts.
Pastoring comes with privileges, but it isn’t meant for personal gain.
God promises everyone who works for Him that they will reap benefits for what they do. Sometimes, these blessings come early for some. But others experience it much later in life. You can’t always blame God for whatever you go through when you decide to follow Jesus. However, in order not to corrupt your good heart for the Lord and His work, you must remember that godliness with contentment is a significant gain (see 1 Corinthians 6:6).
Train yourself to honour your pastor.
Dear believer reading this, train yourself to honour your pastor. Ministry involves so much hard work that many people don’t even know what many preachers go through before stepping out to preach the gospel. A genuine pastor will not always be on you to honour him for the work he does. But when you see that he (or she) deserves some material gifts from you, do it with a willing heart. It will go a long way to help you.
You’re a blessing!
