Earnings

Two of the grands at recital

"The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked, to sin." Proverbs 10:16

Our small church of about 150 members has three wonderful pastors, all of whom are brothers. They are real. I started to add to that sentence, but those three words describe them beautifully:

They are real.

All Bible school or seminary grads, they do not accept salaries from the church, but instead choose to work secular jobs as professional painters. Fifty percent of the church's income goes to missions. We are building a new facility, which could take a very long time, because we are doing it ourselves. If there is a need and these men are capable of meeting that need, they are the first ones there. I know of many times when they have stepped in and sacrificed financially or physically. One of these men has 9 children, yet he is quick to open his pocketbook to a real need. One of them teaches music lessons free of charge to any child in the church who would like to learn an instrument. Most of the children at church take lessons! These men are so full of life! What a blessing to be a part of a church where giving is a priority. That life is contagious. It has spread to others, who now volunteer their services to teach music lessons, build the church building, give to missions, and help others free of charge.

Truly, the wages of our righteous pastors have led to life.

On the other hand, we all know of those who seem to gain wealth and either hoard it or spend it like water. I know one man who spent frivolously until he lost everything.

The gain of the wicked leads to sin.

Righteousness must surely lead to generosity, because our generous pastors are so full of life.

Aren't you thankful for those good examples of righteous wage earners?

I know I am; they keep me looking for ways that I may give to others.

Have a blessed weekend full of life!
Gloria