Dispelling the lie that workers for the Lord should not receive wages. One of the most insidious, despicable, deceptions perpetuated by the adversary is the lie that it is wrong, or even an abomination, for Christians to receive financial compensation for their service in ministry. This idea, subtle in its origins yet pervasive across generations, has led many faithful servants to believe that the work of God should be done solely out of a sense of duty, and never as a vocation deserving honor, material or financial support. Yet, when we examine the Scriptures, we find a profoundly different perspective—one that upholds the dignity of God’s workers and calls upon the people of faith to support them. SCRIPTUAL FOUNDATIONS SUPPORTING COMPENSATION FOR MINISTRY: The Bible is not silent on the matter of material support for those who serve in ministry. In fact, the principle is firmly established in both the New and Old Testaments. • JESUS' TEACHINGS: Our Lord Himself affirmed this principle during His earthly ministry. When sending out His disciples, He said: "Carry no purse or wallet!" - “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (Luke 10:7) • THE APOSTLE PAUL'S INSTRUCTIONS: Paul, in his letters, is clear and direct regarding the right of ministers to receive support: “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14, ESV) And again, he reiterates: “….For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’” (1 Timothy 5:18, ESV) THE CONSEQUENCES OF BELIEVING THE LIE: When Christians embrace the falsehood that those who labor in God’s vineyard should not be compensated, the consequences are far-reaching and detrimental to the spiritual health of the church. • NEGLECT OF SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Many believers spend 40 to 60 hours each week on secular employment, often in difficult or menial positions, motivated by the need to provide for their families. Yet, when it comes to the Lord’s work, they reluctantly hesitate, knowing that only the leaders at the top will consistently benefit financially from the ministry in such a way that they are able to take care of their families. • DISCOURAGEMENT AND BURNOUT: Ministers who are not supported by their ministry face undue financial stress, leading to burnout and distraction from their primary calling. And even though Paul himself worked as a tentmaker, he made it clear that this was an exception, not a rule (see 1 Corinthians 9:6-12). • LIMITING THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL: When the ministry is undervalued financially, fewer people are able to dedicate themselves wholly to the work of evangelism, teaching, and shepherding. This weakens the church’s witness and its ability to meet the spiritual needs of the community. HONORING GOD'S WORKERS: A CALL TO ACTION: The Scriptures call us not only to respect but to provide for those who labor in spiritual matters. Just as it is right for workers in every field to receive their wages, so too should those who dedicate themselves to the care, teaching, and spiritual well-being of the community be honored and supported. “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (1 Corinthians 9:11, ESV)“Share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Galatians 6:6, ESV) To allow the lie to persist—that ministry should only be voluntary and never compensated—is to do a disservice to the very body of Christ. It is not a question of greed or self-interest, but of biblical justice and honoring God’s design for the flourishing of the church. May we, as the people of God, reject the enemy’s deceitful whisper and embrace the truth that it is both honorable and scriptural for those who serve in the Lord’s vineyard to receive support. In doing so, we not only strengthen the hands of our ministers but also advance the cause of the Gospel in the world. • OLD TESTAMENT PRECEDENT: The Levites, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, were not given land or inheritance like the other Israelite tribes. Instead, God commanded that they be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people: • “To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.” (Numbers 18:21, NASB)