[11] “To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. [12] And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; [13] being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.” – 1 Corinthians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Are you aware that pastors are some of the most hardworking people on this planet but are usually underpaid? Ministry is hard work. But the average believer thinks pastors are lazy, sleeping the whole week and working only on Saturday evenings to prepare sermons and preach on Sunday mornings. If you are one of such people who think like that, I want to tell you that it is never true.
From administrative work to prayer to the sweat of Bible study to managing one’s own home, ministry is no joke. Look at how Paul was living comfortably before encountering Jesus. He was assigned soldiers to persecute Christians. That means he was a high-profile person in society since he had people serving under him. But when he met Jesus and got transformed by Him, he laboured more than all the apostles, with few ministry associates to help him. Think about how many times he was stoned and imprisoned for the sake of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, he vividly wrote about his struggles in ministry – hunger, poor clothing, homelessness, persecution, defamation and disrespect. It is probable that your pastor faces some or all of these problems but may not be telling you or the congregation.
Dear believer, it is good to give offerings, pay tithes and support church projects. But don’t forget to sow, both prayerfully and financially, into your pastor’s life and family. Genuine servants of God don’t really need congregants’ money to live. God blesses them. Your man of God may not need your seed for anything. But sowing into his life opens him up to bless your life with more spiritual blessings and eases him to live a comfortable life as he focuses on serving God.
Dear man of God, God’s call to ministry may have turned your life around in ways you never imagined. Maybe you’re going through financial struggles you never thought you would. Take heart, for God knows your plight. When you get tempted to give up in ministry, remember Jesus’ promise in Matthew 19:29. You will have more than enough. Just keep being faithful to God in all your ways.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, empower me to serve You faithfully and diligently anywhere You put me. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 281