Don't Muzzle The Ox

I Corinthians 9:6-10

Most preachers I know hate preaching on this text. They feel like people will think they are asking for more money. Because of that feeling, this text often gets neglected. Part of this is due to so many money grubbing televangelists who are constantly asking for more money for their mansions and private jets. Add to this churches constantly being asked for money from drunks, drug addicts, and welfare recipients who do not want to spend their government handout on necessities like water and electricity because they have "Christmas presents" to buy, and money can be a sore subject in a lot of churches.

NOTE: I am not criticizing everyone on welfare. However, this is a common problem for people on welfare to begin to feel entitled. There is a temptation to view the church as another source of income.

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Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

I Corinthians 9:6-10

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While some people have no shame in asking for handouts, often ministers and ministries go neglected. Many pastors are bivocational and struggle to keep a roof over their head, while church members are living well. They are not going to sacrifice "their" income to take care of the pastor when he is perfectly capable of working too. What those people do not see are the hours of study, visits to homes and hospitals, and the time in prayer that have to be squeezed in with what little time they have left after work. This is also worked in around spending time with their family.

I am blessed! While I am bivocational, my church takes good care of me. I teach for several reasons. It gives me an avenue into the community, I love teaching, and my wife and I are trying to pay down debt from student loans and from covering expenses we incurred from people not paying rent and destroying property. However, I will say it again, I am blessed and my church takes good care of me.

I know of another church that has given their pastor hundreds of dollars worth of food. They do not have much money but God has blessed them with gardens and other resources that they share. That absolutely counts as care for the pastor. While that pastor is also bivocational, the giving alleviates some of the burden of caring for his family's needs. God is blessing them!

Paul makes the argument that God does not care more about animals than he does about people. He taught the church at Corinth that the implication and application of "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadth out the corn" is much greater than taking care of oxen. If a person labors in a "field" they should be cared for by that harvest. Churches should care for pastors and missionaries. Charities should take care of their employees. This does not mean they get rich, but they should have their necessities met.

Father, help me to teach the truth of your word, even if it is uncomfortable. I thank you for your provision through your people. I pray that we all would be generous with what you give us. May we have a heart to share that with others in need, especially to do your work.