|
 Preachers,
Satan has set a trap for you, and its effectiveness is attested
by the fact that hundreds of your fellow—creatures are already
“in the bag.” We must open our eyes!!
Our
work is to save souls, including our own. This is justified by
faith in divine revelation. But Satan would have us think we
meet a professional need, with social justifications only. Right
here, in your understanding of your “calling,” is the crux
of the whole matter. Do you serve God, or the “the people”?
Your
support is the “fellowship” of taught with teacher (Gal.
6:6);you “live of the gospel,” (1 Cor. 9:6-14). But Satan
plants the idea of salary for services rendered — so much work
for so much pay — no pay, no work. One may play with words
here, or fail to see the obligation of mutual agreement, but the
basic idea remains. God wants you to work for Him, with support
a fruit of your planting; while Satan wants you a hireling of
mammon.
So
Satan baits his trap with money. Neglect your studies, and sell
mutual funds! Call on your neighbor, and sell insurance. Use
your influence to promote some merchandising scheme. As though
Paul went to the synagogue on the Sabbath to meet tent
customers.
|
|
I
am nearing the age when one realizes his best days are numbered,
and physical break-downs remind us of possibilities our youth
rejected. I am trying to “hedge” against material needs of
the future, and I understand the feelings of preachers who see
others (including brethren) rake in twice the preachers support,
with half the effort, and no more ability. (And for salt in the
wound, many of them “skip” worship to do it.) But the true
servant of God hurts more through concern for their spiritual
sickness, and works the harder to bring them back to Christ. He
doesn’t join them in taking Satan’s bait.
And
if brethren inadequately support the preacher, they need
straight preaching on the subject. They will take it from a
God-serving soldier of the cross — and I believe God-serving
saints will “make it right.” Those kind make a God-serving
“team.”
Jim
Everett, Whose parents live in Burnet, has returned from three
years preaching in Australia, and is now working for the Lake
Jackson, church. He has agreed to assist in writing for Plain
Talk, and he and Dan Shipley will make welcomed additions to the
P.T. staff. Jim’s first contribution is on page 3.
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
