(1 timothy 5:17-25)
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”
19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.
25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Word for today: "for the scripture says, 'you shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain and 'the labourer deserves his
Our devotion for today focuses on caring for church workers who were said to be worthy of double honour,especially where they work hard in preaching and teaching God's word. The church is to ensure that their salaries were paid as and at when due. Church members should also lavish them with gifts in cash and kind,Gal 6:6. Those who work in the ministry should not regret or be at a disadvantage because they are serving in the house of God. Their welfare should not be neglected for any reason.
It is not a good sight to see retired church worker who does not have a house of his own. Who resorts to living in a rented apartments even when he cannot foot the bills?
It is not equally right to see their children in tattered clothes and not able to have good education and food. This will only expose them to vice. If the worker deserve his wages, what right have we as church, organisation and individual not to pay our workers for month?
church workers are worthy of double honour and deserve to live well. If we learn to take care of our leader, God will also take care us.
Prayer: please Lord, help us to care for your labourer adequately and bless those who serve you.