Understanding missions (8)

The Need of Missionary (2)

Economic independence of a missionary. 


For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10


No matter the great grace that a missionary carries. No matter how anointed he is. No matter the level of his oratory and power of influence. No matter the quality of his unction and the open doors of ministry before him. If he must depend on people for his daily living and livelihood. He won't go far in the work. He would lack influence and his authority will fall to the ground. He would hardly command respect among the brethren and he would lack support he seeks among the brethren. 


As much as it lies in his power, a missionary like Paul must have a means of livelihood. If he is married, let the wife be dutifully engaged in a business that will help the family. He's to be careful not to allowed himself been derailed by this other business. But his greatest temptation is to live without a sustained means of income and he'll loose his flavour if he must depend solely on the painful offering coming from the brethren. And seriously, he will soon be living in unnecessary pain and be disgruntled by the attitude of his followers who are giving less than his expectations and financial needs. 


In the meantime, a missionary without a financial independence will soon be taking command and instructions from the people he should be leading. His ministry and missions will be subjected to the approval of those he leads. A ministry he should engaged with joy and peace will turn out to be an unbearable burden and will loose out of favour with God because he might reason that God has disappointed him. 


With confidence, Samuel told the Israelites: "Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.” 1 Samuel 12.3. 


Every leader must have this courage. People must not grumble for putting our financial burden on them. We must live a clean life. And learn to cast our burden on the Lord. 


Peter Abdul-Razaq, OLAYINKA 

Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara.

WhatsApp (+229)94139130

Mobile no. +2348066540987, +2347084504532

peterrazaq@yahoo.com

Twitter & Instagram: @peterrazaq

Linkedin: Revd. Peter OLAYINKA

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