1
Corinthians 9:15–18 (RSV)
15 But
I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this to secure any
such provision. For I would rather die than have any one deprive me of my
ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no
ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not
preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward;
but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. 18 What then
is my reward? Just this: that in my preaching I may make the gospel free of
charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel.
NOTE: God has
provided abundantly for me. It is nice to have "ministry supporters,"
and I can certainly use prayer, but God has provided financially. Like Paul, I
am ecstatic that I can make my teaching of God's word free of charge. And while
I certainly have a right to expect remuneration for the effort I put in, I know
that my reward is sufficient in that I can serve in this ministry of teaching
and discipling others. I have no desire for anything else. I love what I do. I
love the people I serve. I love what I learn because it has eternal value. I
would do it anyway, with or without an organization to stand behind me. In
fact, I feel a certain sense of duty, because God has given so much financially
and knowledge-wise to be faithful to the work God gives. If I am not faithful,
he will not only not give more, he will take away what he has given. At least,
that is the way I feel. So I serve out of a sense of thankfulness for
salvation, responsibility for what he has given, and joy for the change I see
in people's lives.
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