By[11] “If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? [12] If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. [13] Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? [14] Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:11-14 (NKJV)
Being in ministry for some years, I have learned a lot on this journey. One of them is costly sacrifice. Many new ministers don’t understand the cost involved in running ministries, behavioural guides and even administration frameworks. So, guess what? They look at the euphoria of the ministry of great men of God they see on social media and think, alas, I can become like the one they admire. Don’t be deceived.
Pastor Craig Groeschel once said, “Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.” As a leader, I have found this to be true, both in scripture and real-life experience. Paul was one of those people who walked with this principle. He said in 1 Corinthians 9:16 that necessity is laid upon him to preach the gospel. That means he consciously decided never to stop preaching, no matter what happened to him.
Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.
Craig Groeschel
In the preceding verses of that same 1 Corinthians 9, he labelled out some privileges he could have enjoyed for being in ministry. However, he didn’t use them because he knew he had to sacrifice to push the gospel forward. Can I tell you something? Many pastors live like this. I’m not referring to false preachers but genuine servants of God whose ministries have stood the test of time.
Ministry isn’t for lazy people. Maybe you skimmed that statement. Let me iterate it: MINISTRY ISN’T FOR LAZY PEOPLE. You must make many sacrifices to keep God’s work moving forward, including financial ones. But such isn’t visible to the general public. And in God’s wisdom, it is good because when exposed, some people will not like to honour His call. Man of God, don’t give up. Keep going forward. The higher the level, the higher the price to pay. Be encouraged.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for encouraging me in ministry. I know I am never alone in my journey of fulfilling destiny because You are with me. Thank you, Lord. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 105
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