The financial struggles of the Christian community are a misrepresentation of the wealth and prosperity that Jesus Christ embodied during his time on earth. This article aims to shed light on this issue and encourage a shift in perspective towards the value of ministry work.
Jesus Christ, during his time on earth, was a man of wealth, born into a prosperous carpentry family. His father, Joseph, was a descendant of King David, and upon his birth, Jesus was blessed with gifts from the wise men that would equate to millions of dollars in today's value (Matthew 2:11). He wore custom-made robes that had no seams (John 19:23) and worked closely with men of wealth, his disciples.
God, the source of all wealth and riches (Ecclesiastes 5:19), created all things through Jesus (Ephesians 3:9).
Despite this, the Christian community often struggles to ask for the value of their work in the ministry. The teachings of the Word are invaluable, yet we often devalue God's work and give Him our financial leftovers. This is one of Satan's greatest tricks (Ephesians 6:11). If he can keep the Christian community suffering financially, our impact on the world can be limited.
Christians have no qualms about paying for worldly things, but when it comes to valuing God's work, we hesitate. We even willingly pay for our formal Christian education.
The issue is not about money, but about understanding its role in serving the ministry. When approached with a pure heart and spirit, money can be leveraged to serve the ministry without materialism. It is just one small form of provision that the Lord has for you and your ministry.
The Word instructs us to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils; freely we have received, freely we should give (Matthew 10:8). We cannot charge for the healing, love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, or temperance we demonstrate to others. We cannot charge for being a vessel of Jesus' signs, wonders, and miracles.
However, there are things that cost us everything to learn and receive from God. These lessons, learned through years of trials, suffering, and tough lessons, are not free gifts. They cost us our lives, countless years, days, and hours of learning and revelation. For these, we can charge or ask for a love offering.
This is particularly challenging for Kingdom Ministers, those called outside of the local church structure to build ministries. Unlike church ministers who are usually on payroll or receive a financial stipend, Kingdom Ministers must activate their right to live by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
As a minister, you have the right to cover the cost of your books, trainings, conferences, classes, etc. You also have the right to make a living doing God's work full-time and can charge for your message or teachings. The deeper things of God are not free, even if an offering plate is not being passed to cover your costs.
God allowed you to go through trials because you are to teach others and guide them to their breakthrough and victory. You must be valued for your gifts.
This is a contentious topic, but one that we must begin to discuss openly as ministers. We need all the provision and resources to complete the work the Lord expects of us. I hope this bold article will help you release anything holding you back from asking for the value of your gifting and expertise in the Lord.
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