Going into full time ministry or long term Christian service to serve God’s people is no doubt a calling from God, and should be regarded in high esteem. We have known, seen or heard of Christian workers who have made sacrificial changes to their lives by leaving their high-salaried jobs to one without a regular income, in order to walk the narrow path that God has called them to. These are dedicated man and woman who were convicted of God’s calling and chose to trust and obey Him. They live by Jesus’ words in Matt 6:24 “No one can serve two masters….You cannot serve God and Money.” God has given many promises in Scripture to all His faithful workers, e.g. Heb 6:10 “God is not unjust, He will not forget their work and the love they have shown Him as they helped God’s people“.

Paul said that an Apostle had the right to be financially supported by those whom he served in the Corinthian Church. He illustrated this by saying that no soldier goes to war at his own expense, no farmer does not eat his own produce, and no shepherd does not drink the milk of his flock. This principle of fair treatment for hard labour was first mooted in Deut 25:4 “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Moses asked the people to feed the ox for the hard labour that it did in the field. In the same manner, those in Christian service should be fairly treated for their work in serving God’s people in the ‘field‘.

Everyone can do their part by partaking in the financial support for God’s kingdom to be expanded on earth. We too have to store up our treasures in heaven and not on earth, where thieves steal, and moth and rust destroy. Besides giving money, there are other needs to be met also, such as administration, prayers, encouragement, etc. Paul was overjoyed by the responses of the Philippian Christians, because they gave generously to him in many areas, and this demonstrated their spiritual maturity as Christians and co -laborers with him (Phil 4:17).

We thank God for every faithful field worker and co-laborer who reaches the unreached, and as Christians, we are given the privilege to play a part in His work. May we be encouraged to share the abundance (be it in money, time or talent) that God has bestowed upon us, and give generously for God’s eternal purpose. God truly loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:6-7).