Balancing the Church Mission

Scripture: Some may deny these things, but they are the sound, wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and are the foundation for a godly life. 1 Timothy 6:3

Observation: Paul indicates to Timothy that the lessons he is teaching are sound even though others may deny them. This comes in the midst of a conversation about money and how it is earned, especially by ministers and pastors. Overall, he makes the following points:

-- Pastors do work for the church and therefore should be paid by their congregation.

-- Everyone should work well and diligently in whatever work they have.

-- Some (like old widows) need care, but some shouldn't but instead have other means.

It seems that perhaps there have been arguments in Ephesus that boil down to cash flow in the church. Maybe ... I'm don't know this so I'm only interpreting here ... those of poorer status don't want to work because they believe the church community should care for them, having "rich" people share their wealth ... and meanwhile the well-off, resenting this, don't want to share with the church community to the point that they resist even funding the life of the pastor.

There is a balance to be found, summarized in verse 5 Paul says some people see the gospel as a means to having money. The mission of the church is to pronounce the good news of Jesus. Believers are to love others, many of whom are destitute and should be cared for. However, we cross a line when those who can provide for themselves instead fall back on the church for their care, as they are now turning the mission of the church into a welfare organization.

Application: I have a passion for evangelism, and thus I struggle when I see church resources spent on internal ministries. This of course is also because I struggle with loving others enough to appreciate their need.

This is a balancing issue that clearly has always existed in the church. It comes down to individual accountability, and the decision of individual believers to overcome situations in their lives and serve Jesus. Some need help to do this, and should receive that help. However, many should eventually move beyond that, and contribute to - rather than rely upon - church care.

We all need love from the community, and care from the church involving love is something I should lean into more. My over-pivot on this issue does not bring "balance" to the church, either.

Prayer: Lord, please fill me with your love this day. Amen.