THE REWARD OF THE LABORER
“Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.” 1 Corinthians 9:10 NIV
This remains one of the more delicate and debated matters within the body of Christ today—and understandably so. The misuse and manipulation of God’s pattern by some ministers have sown seeds of distrust, particularly among those still tender in the faith.
Yet the principle itself remains firm in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses everyday imagery: a farmer who eats from what he sows, a shepherd who drinks from his flock, an ox that’s allowed to eat while threshing, to make a simple but profound point: those who labor in the Word and minister to God’s people are not wrong to receive support from the very people they serve.
Even so, Paul shows remarkable wisdom and restraint. He recognizes that the Corinthian church, still immature in many ways, might stumble if he were to receive material support. And so, he chooses to serve freely, working with his hands while preaching, so that no one can question his motives or distort the purity of the message: that Christ alone is the treasure.
Child of God, this same principle holds true today. We are called to honor those who labor in the Lord whether through finances, respect, encouragement, or love. Not because they demand it. Not because they manipulate us to give. But because honor given freely opens something in us — capacity to partner with heaven and break free from the grip of greed and cynicism. It is in honoring the laborer that we too are drawn into the joy of the harvest.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for the ones You’ve raised up to teach, shepherd, and labor in Your name. Give us hearts that discern rightly, free from fear, yet anchored in truth. Teach us to honor without idolizing, to support without stumbling, and to sow into what bears fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 1 Timothy 5:17
• Galatians 6:6
• 2 Corinthians 9:7
