Papa J says

Do not look at work as a chore, or pace the floor over what to do next. All things like this are the labors of 
evil. Look to the LORD, He always knows the next step will establish your thoughts. Proverbs 16:3

The Devotional

How often we do things that offend people, mostly this is not intentional; at least I am supposing this to be true. I remember a time when I was released from active duty after four years in the Navy. I went to work in a factory as a shipper and receiver and was pals with an older man who was the company’s rigger. The company made boat parts and many of the items that were made were required to be tested and this was the primary responsibility of this man. I did not get along with people and he sort of took me aside and taught me that life was more than what I was putting into it. He kept me out of trouble and in all of this watch care. He never looked for a reward. Over a year ago I spent some time sharing in one of these emails a little more detail about him and someone asked me if he was a believer in Christ. I do not know, I was not a believer at the time, but I thought even then that he was a different sort. He lived alone, worked hard and had a dog that he often talked about. Sometime after I returned to the Navy, I heard that he was out walking his dog one evening and was killed by someone who hit the two with their automobile. He had a life, he had income and he had his entertainment. I asked him once to go have a beer with me, his reply was. “No thanks Jesse, life is more than having a beer” In those days I never understood what he meant, but today as God has permitted I believe that my friend meant that life is about caring and sharing even when the reward is not there, sometimes the reward is just another offensive statement by someone who doesn’t understand.

1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9:1-18 Knowing who we are in Christ is a good thing and it is not that others do not know as well. But I believe like the apostle here that many people offend because of ignorance, but there are a few who; because of jealousy, or pride, or indifference ignore their responsibility to reward the care giver. I also believe that the apostle is focused on these who are knowingly ignorant, rather than the ones who are not mature enough to recognize the results of their actions.

The Corinthian church is like many churches today. Pastors look to the congregation to support the work of the ministry. While looking they support their wives, raise their children and sometimes cry out to God to meet the pending need, what ever it may be. To be expected many men who preach the gospel leave the ministry or take part time employment. All seem to struggle as the church matures over the understanding full stewardship.

All of this is part of full time ministry and woe is the one who does not preach the gospel because of a lack of support. Godly men will go on and preach even when the tools of an equipping team are not present. The reward is always to preach the word of God, in season and out of season and be ready to give a reasonable defense, for there is a time approaching when people will not have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. 2 Timothy 4:2.