Matthew 10:8-10 ESV Heal the sick, raise he dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
In my last post I wrote about one of the benefits of ministering with pay. I gave a bit of my testimony telling how serving as a missionary for years without pay allowed me to experience God’s provision on a regular basis. Sometimes God calls a person to minister without pay to build their faith and inspire a trusting, intimate relationship.
There are other benefits to serving without receiving payment. For one, if no one pays you then you do not have to worry about them stopping paying you. When someone signs your paycheck, they have a certain amount of control or influence over you. All who minister should have accountability. However, if God tells you one thing and your boss tells you another, it can create an inner struggle if the boss has financial power over you.
When I preach or teach, I always strive to present the message God wants me to give. I have always felt free to do so in part because my finances are not tied to telling people what they want to hear.
Another benefit of serving without pay is that people are less likely to question your motivation. If one receives payment for their service, then there is the potential for questioning on whether the motivation to serve is financial or purely obedience to God. The fact that I was serving without pay opened quite a few opportunities for me talk about God when in Asia. People naturally wanted to know what I was getting out of being there. When they I asked I was able to tell them about the God Who had given so much to me.
A third benefit is knowing that God will reward you. Not only did God faithfully supply my needs on the mission field but he continues to bless me financially now. God’s abundant provision is obvious in my family’s finances till this day. Despite getting a late start in my “career” and my moderate paycheck from a secular job, we live debt free with enough extra to share where God leads. Even better, I know God has stored up treasures in Heaven that are waiting for me.
Finally, giving feels good. This may seem selfish but Paul said the same thing in 1 Corinthians 9:15-18. When we offer our time and energy to benefit others, it gives a sense of satisfaction. Knowing that our efforts are advancing God’s Kingdom just increases that satisfaction.
In the passage above, Jesus sent His disciples out and told them to accept no pay except for food and lodging. I believe this post and my previous one shows what He was teaching them.
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to participate in Your work. You reward Your servants for their obedience in such incredible ways. I am so grateful for all You have given me, including the freedom to serve.