MONDAY October 1, 2018
Hirelings
But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child,
wearing a linen ephod.
1 Samuel 2:18
In contrast to Eli’s sons, Samuel, who was dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, had a different upbringing. In the tabernacle, Samuel ministered before the Lord. His mother trained him in the ways of the Lord from a young child. Obviously, Eli did not take the time to properly train his sons. Could it be that Eli’s sons became hirelings––just being in the priesthood for the money––as a profession? Tragically, Eli’s sons thought only about themselves and forgot to care about the people. Though Eli failed as a father, his sons ultimately had a choice.
It is so easy to become a hireling in the ministry. You can tell when someone’s heart begins to change because they no longer have a servant’s heart. They are looking to be paid to serve. Those called to
serve in the ministry should never charge money; people should never be motivated to serve for monetary gain. Although God allows people in full time ministry a salary, I believe it should be spent wisely.
In ministry, it is good to keep a check on your motives. For instance, if you never got paid, would you still serve the Lord? Do you desire that people call you by a title? Do you want the recognition? People will reverence those called into the ministry, but you must give the glory to God. In ministry, be blameless before the Lord and the people.
Leaders in the Church have a great responsibility. Think of all the
TV evangelists who have come to the place where they have abhorred the sacrifices of the Lord. When the people are giving willingly to the Lord, some TV evangelists take the best for themselves. From the money given, they buy themselves expensive clothes and beautiful houses to live in, as they take big salaries––sad.
Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!