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Pay your way!
'Give everyone what you owe him.' ROMANS 13:7
At Thanksgiving, a barber whose business was prospering decided that for the next week he'd give the first customer of the day a free haircut. The first recipient was a baker. Next morning he presented the barber with a dozen donuts. The second day it was a florist, who thanked him by leaving a dozen roses on his doorstep. The third day a pastor received a free haircut. Guess what? Next morning there were a dozen more preachers all waiting for free haircuts! Do you expect a 'free haircut?' If so, who's supposed to pay the barber?
The Bible teaches that congregations should honour and be generous to pastors who serve them well (1 Timothy 5:17 NLT). But problems arise when someone develops 'a sense of entitlement.' Those called to leadership in God's kingdom should create a standard of excellence. They should be known for paying their bills, and paying them on time. It's wrong to live beyond our means because we want to present a certain image or set an example of success.
We hurt God's work when we 'step out in faith' and purchase things we know we can't pay for, then leave someone else holding the bag. Think this doesn't happen? Talk to those around you who say 'never do business with Christians!' If there's no money to pay for it God didn't order it!
There was a time in Paul's ministry when he preached weekends and supported himself as a tentmaker (See Acts 18:3). And when it came to the subject of 'paying your way' he minced no words: 'Give everyone what you owe him.'
written by Bob Gass
'Give everyone what you owe him.' ROMANS 13:7
At Thanksgiving, a barber whose business was prospering decided that for the next week he'd give the first customer of the day a free haircut. The first recipient was a baker. Next morning he presented the barber with a dozen donuts. The second day it was a florist, who thanked him by leaving a dozen roses on his doorstep. The third day a pastor received a free haircut. Guess what? Next morning there were a dozen more preachers all waiting for free haircuts! Do you expect a 'free haircut?' If so, who's supposed to pay the barber?
The Bible teaches that congregations should honour and be generous to pastors who serve them well (1 Timothy 5:17 NLT). But problems arise when someone develops 'a sense of entitlement.' Those called to leadership in God's kingdom should create a standard of excellence. They should be known for paying their bills, and paying them on time. It's wrong to live beyond our means because we want to present a certain image or set an example of success.
We hurt God's work when we 'step out in faith' and purchase things we know we can't pay for, then leave someone else holding the bag. Think this doesn't happen? Talk to those around you who say 'never do business with Christians!' If there's no money to pay for it God didn't order it!
There was a time in Paul's ministry when he preached weekends and supported himself as a tentmaker (See Acts 18:3). And when it came to the subject of 'paying your way' he minced no words: 'Give everyone what you owe him.'
written by Bob Gass
