The Preacher's Attitude Toward Money (1)

In the garden of Eden, Adam was "...to dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15). God intended man to work. Paul instructed the Ephesians, "Let him that stole steal no more... let him labour, working...the thing which is good, that he may have to give..." (Eph.4:28).

A preacher has the right to be supported (I Cor. 9) for the "...labourer is worthy of his reward" (I Tim. 5:18). Paul was supported by churches, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service" (II Cor. 11:8,9). Again, Paul said, "Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity" (Phil. 4:15,16). At other times, Paul's hands "...ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me" (Acts 20:34) for he "...coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel" (Acts 20:33).

Every preacher needs money. But, Paul warned Timothy (I Tim. 6:10,11): "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while come coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." How well do we do that? Consider these attitudes toward money.

I WON'T PREACH UNLESS I AM PAID. Men have made great sacrifices to preach, often preaching meetings not knowing what, if any, money they will get. If you are of the mind to peach only if you get paid, why not work at something else and leave preaching to those who will preach because they greatly desire to convert eternity bound sinners and teach the converted their duty. These preachers see souls when they are preaching. The hireling does not need in the pulpit.