Love takes care of those who are unable to take care of themselves. Love also directs us to support those who are called to serve The Body of Christ by ministering The Word. Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Timothy chapter 5:
9 A widow is to be put on the list [to receive regular assistance] only if she is over sixty years of age, [having been] the wife of one man,
10 and has a reputation for good deeds; [she is eligible] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints (God’s people), if she has assisted the distressed, and has devoted herself to doing good in every way.
In order to fulfill the directive to financially support the widow in this case, there must be infrastructure to do so. There also must be a willingness for the believers to support those on “the list”. We at Servias Ministries have maintained the infrastructure to act as a treasury for the Body of Christ and continue in our willingness to act in this manner but it takes cheerful givers to fill the treasury. We stand ready to function both as a depository and and agent for disbursement to those who qualify to be on the list. Obviously the giving must occur before distribution can happen so it is up to those who have a heart for giving to take action first.
I admit that I have to overcome a certain reluctance in writing on this topic since I know how sensitive people get about giving. Over the years I have heard virtually every excuse of why people would not give. Sorrowfully, each excuse fails to consider Love and faith in FATHER’S willingness to supply all of one’s needs. People forget that you leave all those temporary assets behind when you physically die. Others use the excuse of leaving an inheritance for family members which often means the children do not have to develop their own faith and trust in FATHER.
Paul further wrote:
17 The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ].
It does take time and resources for those who minister to the believers to seek FATHER and deliver a message to the Body. Should they be less important in the overall scheme of things? FATHER intends there to be a dynamic flow of resources to all members of the Body of Christ in order for all members to function according to their purpose. It is similar to blood flow in the physical body. If blood is restricted to an area of the body, that area begins to die and becomes of no use to the body. The rest of the body will ultimately suffer and be impaired. The same is true in the Spiritual.
I don’t choose the topics I write on, FATHER does. I suppose HE is giving notice to those who have ears to hear. It is up to each member of the Body of Christ to hear and act in response. We are truly grateful to those who have given in the past. Some give on a monthly basis which encourages us. However, the need is great and we should not allow the burden to be carried by a few faithful givers. Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly and Paul had no problem in bringing this issue to the forefront. Neither does FATHER.
PS: Don’t shoot the messenger.