Galatians 6:6, 10 Giving in the Right Spirit for the Right Cause

Galatians 6:6, 10 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Christ Himself taught, “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7). Those who receive something ought to give in return for the labor they have received—so it is with the preaching of the Word as well. God has given each a position and a role in the Church. Some have received the role of “pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). Such service takes up a great deal of time. Overseeing the flock of God is equivalent, if not a greater burden than a forty-hour a week job, especially for teachers, as they “will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). Quite a burden it is to know that if you are not being led by the Spirit in proclaiming the truth, you will be held accountable before Almighty God on the day of judgment! This role is not to be undertaken lightly or by any whom are not called by God to serve in this capacity (cf. James 3:1). A teacher who instructs in wrong doctrine could lead someone astray and even turn people from the faith (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16), and he is responsible for the flock he oversees. However, “the elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

Therefore, those whom are taught ought to revere their teachers, if the teacher faithfully teaches the Word of God. Do not be stingy toward your teachers, for they must put great work into their duties. Scripture itself says, “‘You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.’ God is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” Do not expect to be taught the Word for free! “The Lord,” that is Christ, “directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:9-11, 14). Some may mock, saying that the preacher/pastor has an easy job. However, such men give their lives to this service, and even preparing a single sermon may take many hours. Then they must attend to all their other responsibilities, their families, and be certain that they are walking with the Lord. They are also always on call—night or day, everyday of the week, 365 days of the year. Overseeing and teaching, together, make for a truly full-time position.

Those who are sitting under the pastor/preacher as his disciples should not count it much to pay with material means when they are receiving spiritual. Spiritual blessings, especially eternal life through the word of the gospel, cannot have a price tag put upon them. Those who receive such through the preaching of the Word must learn this truth, that they might give to meet their pastor’s needs and to alleviate his burdens. What a burden it would truly be to have to go before a board every year to attempt to get a raise when one already has more than enough responsibilities! Do not make your pastor look and feel like a money-grubber. Rather, give to him joyfully and in accordance with all of his needs—and for both his and your sake, give him money and enough time off to take a good vacation every year!

Remember that this is your only time to do good things. You cannot do any good when you are dead! So while you have the opportunity, do good in giving to all who are in need. Give to those who are begging on the street, to those who are suffering throughout the world, and to worthy causes, such as pro-life clinics. Have in mind that “in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9). Your heart is where your treasure is. Store your treasure in heaven, and from God you will receive your reward at the judgment.

There is a greater cause even than helping all people, however. Paul tells us: “Do good… especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” No one else will give to the cause of the gospel, only Christians will. Therefore, give to missionaries, pastors, and all who are faithful in the service of God first and foremost. Our primary task, as Christians, is to preach the gospel (cf. Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, consider your highest responsibility for stewardship of your money (and time in helping out your pastor, by washing clothes for him and his family, or mowing their yard, etc) to give to the cause of the furtherance of the gospel and the care for your own soul (and the souls of those in your local church). Do this gratefully, not grudgingly, showing your appreciation for those who are working to advance the kingdom of God and to care for the sheep.