Everything Jesus gives is Free - Part 2

I believe Jesus received money while working in ministry. He has a treasurer for the ministry He led (albeit a cheating treasurer). And he used money to pay for things that needed to be paid for. But why do we often confuse the concepts of 1) receiving money and 2) charging for a service.

When we receive a gift, we are simply the recipient of someone else's free decision. If you provide me with money because I have ministered through the Word, Teaching, Counsel, Music Ministry - or any other work I perform as an Elder and Servant of Christ, that is a good thing. I will gladly receive it. I believe that ministers of the gospel should receive money as they faithfully fulfill the work of Christ (1 Cor 9:9; Deut 25:4; 1 Tim 5:17). But this is altogether different than a minister charging for His work.

Charging says - "I'll do this if I get paid." Receiving a gift says, "I will gladly accept this, but I will serve even if I do not receive a gift".

I would encourage my fellow ministers to avoid charging. Strangely enough, the world normally considers your ministry to be less valid, qualified or worthwhile if you do NOT charge. 1 Corinthians 9:18 encourages us as ministers to avoid abusing our rights as ministers (this passage speaks specifically about Apostles, but we will apply it to other word-bearing ministers). Brothers - avoid charging. Allow giving. Use wisdom and avoid the love of money.

Christ is all.