Quote:
Originally Posted by votivesoul
Could be you're right. But then again, part of the idea of human nature being wicked means that, since you are human, your nature is wicked, too, and wickedness doesn't just act out to abuse, sometimes it acts in, in order to be abused.
So, instead of looking outward to cast blame on the people of God (other humans and their wickedness) and God Himself (trying to do something for God/opposition), it is imperative to examine whether or not you're the only common denominator in all your problems.
For example, you wrote you never suffered such abuse for so little.
Would it matter how much abuse you suffered if you were making $100K? Would it be okay with you then? I mean, how much money do you need to make off the church in order for the abuse to okay, at least without you making a statement (complaint???) like you did before about so much abuse vs. so little pay?
And if you answer, it's never okay for me to be abused, even for all the money in the world, then why do you put up with it? Why not go to the brother or sister that is mistreating you, and call him or her out on it?
There is nothing in the Scriptures which indicates anyone in the service of God is supposed to politely and quietly suffer abuse at the hands of members of the Body of Christ.
In fact, Paul upbraided the Corinthians for allowing themselves to be abused:
2 Corinthians 11:19-20 (ESV),
Paul was not commending them for this. So, how about you take to task anyone who is abusing you, like Jesus taught:
Matthew 18:15-20 (ESV), |
I never said I allow abuse. The point wasn’t how to deal with abuse, the point is that when you labor for God, you will suffer abuse. I am not crying over my problems in my field of labor. I would not trade anything for. I am only dealing with your definition of being a hireling.
John 10:13
-- The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Through the years I have voluntarily forfeited a church salary, because it was not expedient. Through the years I have taught Bible studies, preached in nursing homes, jail ministries, and also given my secular work away for free. I am not saying that to win any awards, and I really feel uncomfortable saying it at all. So technically, because our church (at present) is able (without burdening the saints) to offer me a salary, I am going to thank God for it, and labor no differently than I would if it could not.
If you want to get technical we are all hirelings.
Matthew 20:1-2
1......For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2......And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard……………….
You included.
As far as man’s wickedness, you are correct, I am still very capable of committing wickedness. That really has no bearing on this discussion. We should support ministry not because they are perfect, but because we want to further the kingdom of God locally and everywhere else. If people feel that what they give is not being invested wisely then they should invest elsewhere.