August 14 - 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 - For Heaven’s Sake, Pay the Preacher

One of the hardest responses we ever have to deal with is thanklessness. We work hard, we work well, we sacrifice and invest for someone and then, we are under-appreciated. We labor long, and then there is little compensation. And then, how hard is that to address? Is it right to say things like, “Is that all the thanks I get?” “Don’t I deserve more than this?”

We can feel Paul’s uneasiness as he broaches this touchy subject with the Corinthian church. Paul is an exceptional servant and leader. He is an apostle; he’s had a face-to-face with Jesus Himself. The Corinthians might still be dead in their sin were it not for the missionary preacher. And not that he preached for fame or fortune – he preached out of his calling, out of his gift. It was God’s mandate to Paul and “woe to him if he didn’t preach.” His ministry was a spiritual compulsion. And man, did he and his fellow missionaries bear assaults and burdens to do it. “We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.”

But did anybody appreciate the value of all that? There’s a Biblical principle that goes, “Don’t muzzle the ox while he’s treading out the grain.” In other words, take good care of those that do good work. Appreciate good labor and reward it accordingly. Paul was an ox who more than deserved his grain. Unfortunately, many were insensitive to his efforts.

To the preachers out there, keep preaching. Preach out of your gift, out of your calling, out of your spiritual compulsion. Don’t shut the fire up in your bones. Preach for the love of God and for the salvation and fortification of souls. Preach freely and for free.

But to the churches out there, for heaven’s sake – pay the preacher! Understand what that shepherd does to feed the sheep. Appreciate the struggle of trying to be a humble/bold servant/leader. Comprehend the true value of what is coming to you out of that pastor’s mouth, heart, and hands. Of all the verses you have memorized, add this one to it –
“…the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:14. You may not have known that verse because your pastor was too humble to preach it. And for that, he ought to get a bonus.

Pray: Savior, you preached the good news until it stripped you of everything and killed you. The true preacher is willing to go there for you, but the true church must never let it happen. Convict us when we spend top dollar for everything else but exemplary leadership.