Serving Without Pay

In 2 Corinthians 12:14-15, Paul writes these words, "Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls."

While working on a paper this week, I stumbled upon this passage. I know I have read it before, but this time it was like a punch in the face. When I first moved to Louisville to attend Southern, I hoped I would find some ministry position that would allow me to serve God and help pay the bills. God, however, did not plan that for me.

As I look back on my long Seminary career, I realize that God put me in a ministry where I would not be a burden. I would be free to learn to "spend and be spent" for the souls of those with whom I am ministering. Not only has God given me a ministry in which to grow, but God also provided me a job that helps me seek not what is [others'] but [others themselves].

I am thankful that God brought me to State Street Baptist Church. I am thankful for the people God put me with, and I pray that God will allow me to seek the good of others without being a burden on my church.

Forgive me God for questioning your plans, and give me eyes to see others the way you see them!

Todd

Note: Just to clarify, I have nothing against a pastor or elder being paid by his church, and neither did Paul. I mentioned this only because it is directly applicable to my little church!