Continuing our study
of 1st Thessalonians…
Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-12
You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Thought for the Day: Paul and his colleagues were bi-vocational — that is, they did not earn their keep as preachers of the Gospel. It is thought that Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3), though some scholars suggest that the word describes more broadly those who worked with leather. Whatever the case, Paul felt his message would be heard as more authentic if he didn’t accept a paycheck. That’s impressive!
As a pastor who is on the payroll of the church I serve, there is a constant discomfort around the talk of money—especially when some of the money given goes into my paycheck. I understand Paul’s concern, and though it is far far from bi-vocational, I am always very clear that my family joins others in giving to the church. As a family, we give more than 10% of our take home income to the church. Could we do better? Probably! But we do so not only because we believe strongly in stewardship and the discipline of giving, but I also desire for people to understand that we are committed to this ministry beyond a paycheck.
Paul was saying the same thing, though his approach was probably a bit more powerfully stated.
Prayer: Lord, let us always be committed to the work of your church beyond what we receive in return. Help us to give as you have given. Amen.
Join us tomorrow at:
8:15am, 9:30am or 11:00am
And don’t forget the Sunday School Fair.
Learn about the many opportunities available.
NEXT SUNDAY–MARCH 2
