Scripture

as apostles of Christ, we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

Observation

Paul had a right as an apostle to make demands of the people he ministered to, that they support his ministry.

Instead he worked hard to support himself so that he would not be a burden on anyone. The Thessalonians themselves were witnesses to his honesty and devotion in this.

He was like a father to them – pleading, encouraging, and urging them to live their lives in a way that is worthy of God’s Kingdom.

Application

There are people who minister with a servant’s heart or a father’s heart. Then there are those who see their ministry as an entitlement to demand things of others.

Ministry as relationship is more authentic and more faithful to the gospel than ministry as business.

There are times in any ministry when the resources are tight. These are opportunities to grow our ability to trust in the Lord.

Paul’s attitude was like that of Christ. He was there to serve the church, not to be a burden to it. He supported himself by earning a living by making tents.

Nowadays, there are many models and paradigms for financing ministry. We should always endeavour to not be a burden on the church. And above all, we must avoid the mentality that we are entitled to special consideration, special honour, special treatment within the church.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the ministry you have entrusted to me. Please help me to stay genuinely humble, a servant to your flock. Amen.