Nougat 12

Yesterday’s Nougat cautioned against charging others for their access to our spiritual gifts. And there’s more we could (and probably shall) reflect on on this matter. But, I feel compelled to ensure that we also don’t feel that this is now permission to abuse the services of our local pastors. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. Scripture tells us, “Don’t muzzle a working ox” and “A worker deserves his pay.” 1 Timothy 5:18 MSG

Of Oxen and Workers

Everyone enjoys a good bonus. In fact, some people plan their lives around their end of year bonuses, which they use to arrange for things they might otherwise not be able to afford. Yet so many around us have to scrimp and save in order to live a confortable life, despite being employed. Among those people are most domestic workers, teachers, and ministers of the Gospel.

It is as though we take those persons and what they offer for granted. And, in so doing, we presume that they should not be compensated for the work they’ve done. Now please don’t misunderstand me – is not every single person in the categories I’ve mentioned who fall below the adequate compensation line. Some are faring quite well thank you please, and do not need any further representation. Then there are three others, and our treatment of them by virtue of the agreed wages, is totally unfair.

Within church circles, particularly in mainline denominations, there seems to be an understanding that those who accept the call to ministry have automatically made a vow of poverty. Perhaps because of yesterday’s Nougat. I’ve seen and heard of cases in more than one country where pastors on average live below the poverty line, and its not by choice. Our Nougat insists, ‘don’t muzzle the ox that treads the corn.’ It simply invites us to consider the way we treat those things we need for our survival, and to ensure that we avoid similar dignity to our spiritual leaders.

I agree, there are rogues out there. We’ll discuss that at length in someother reflection. Nevertheless, it is incumbent on us to ensure that we care for our spiritual leaders, in particle those with integrity, and are feeding us. And, if we feel that our loyalties are torn, then maybe we ought to ask the Lord to help us choose.

Withholding tithes and offerings to ‘punish’ the pastor or church worker is actually robbing God. Malachi 3 speaks to this in much detail, you’re welcome to read for yourselves. And some of us are familiar with what happened in Acts 5, when Annanias and Sapphira conspired to benefit from the surplus on their tithe. What if God manifested rebukes and punishments to us now, as then? We’d probably been dead long ago.

Thank God for grace!

So,

Who’s your local (personal) pastor?

Is s/he adequately compensated?

Are there measures to ensure appreciation to her/ him?

What about the church workers, often working in the background, are they paid/compensated?

Are there measures for appreciation?

And the denomination staff at HQ?

Is there any kind of measure to ensure their wellbeing?

If your church is not of that persuasion, apply the questions according to relevance.

Inasmuch as we do unto ourselves, may we do for them also …

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ