After our Monday morning Bible study I went to pay for my breakfast and
the cashier said, “Dave, yours was already covered.” I don’t know who
was so kind to pick up my tab, but I’m grateful for this brother or
sister who takes seriously the Apostle Paul’s words, “Let the one who is
taught the Word share all good things with the one who teaches.” I want
to be even more excited about picking up the tab for others. As Paul
finished his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, he revealed that he
was not the kind of pastor who asked for a “pastor’s discount.”
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing. You yourselves
know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs
of my companions. In everything I showed you by my labor that it is
necessary to help those in need and to remember the Lord Jesus saying,
‘It’s more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:33-35 NIV
We all work for many reasons: to see the results of our sweat, to
receive recognition for our efforts, and to put food on our tables and
clothes on our backs. But through careful experiments, psychologists at
the University of Michigan have discovered that one of the most powerful
motivations to get folks to work is to give them the opportunity to
help others.
Way back in the first century both Jesus and Paul knew this power of
working to give, and Paul sought to raise up a host of church leaders
who didn’t expect a “preacher’s discount” but instead worked hard so
that they themselves could give to others.
LORD, I pray for the day that when I mention “preacher” the first thing
people will think is that’s not the group that expects a discount for
themselves, but the group that works hard to give to those in need.
by Dave Wyrtzen @ TruthEncounter.com!
Today's Bible Verse...
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.—Titus 2:2
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Teach
older men?" "Learn from younger folks?" Buried in this verse is a
profound understanding and respect that transcends generations. For some
of us who share our local churches with five generations of people for
the first time in human history, Paul's challenging words mean even more
to us today. Those who are younger need leaders and mentors who are
people of character if transformation and renewal are to be sustainable.
Those who are older need to realize that God often uses the voices of
the young to speak his truth and bring renewal. We need to love,
respect, and pray for each other as we seek to be God's people in our
time!
My Prayer...
O God, please give us wisdom, patience, and respect in your Family so that we may value each person, listen to the voices of character and maturity regardless of age, and be open to hearing your truth no matter who you use to speak it to us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Not Preaching the Word by Rob Suggs
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