Continuing with our series, on those areas of Christian life where a Child of God is expected to give ‘free service,’ let’s touch two more areas today…
Instruction
Where the Evangelist’s work of winning a soul for the Kingdom ends, the Pastor’s work begins of nurturing the “new born” in God’s Kingdom. Unlike an evangelist, who is moved by the Lord’s Spirit from town to town, a Pastor’s call is to be at one place patiently, “taking care of and feeding the Lord’s flock” with God’s Word (Acts 20:28).
When Peter responded three times to our Lord’s question, “Peter, do you love me,” with words emanating from the depths of his heart, “Lord, I love you,” the Master’s response on all three occasions was: “Feed my flock” (John 21:15-17). Peter’s love for the Lord was to get reflected in equal measure in his care for the people the Lord: “had purchased by shedding His own blood.” No wonder Peter, after many years of serving the Lord, wrote these words to younger pastors (Kindly note the word Elder is synonymous with Pastor):
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly–not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” (I Peter 5:2)
Now what isthe responsibility of the “Flock” in turn to their exemplary full-time Pastors who lead the flock through life and lip in the “spiritual ecosphere” we know as the Church? Pastors who have not pursued any secular profession and 9 times out of ten may have swapped a lucrative secular one for a serious responsibility in the spiritual realm in full obedience to the Great Shepherd’s call? Let the Scripture take over…
Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. (Gal 6:6)
Elders who do their work well should be respected and well paid, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. (2 Tim 5:17)
Of course all these Scripture portions do not give license to the Pastor to go about his ministry expecting a royal treatment. His Ministry, out of love for his Master should be at all times governed by the principle: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) without ever forgetting the fact that he has received the anointing to effectively preach or teach freely from the Lord!!! Minus the anointing–the “X factor”–which determines his/her success in preaching or teaching ministry, a Servant of God would be like pen without ink.
Prayer: Father, whatever be our calling in our Ministry, let people observe at all times unbridled devotion for Thee and selfless love for all coming in touch with us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan,
An unworthy servant,
J and SM Ministries
(Please click here for the rest of the Free…Free…Free Series.)