by A.W. Tozer
Demetrius, the silversmith, could offer no other proof of the truth of his religion than to shout, "Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" He encouraged Diana-worship for economic reasons.
An economic interest in religion is deadly. As soon as a man becomes thus entangled in the snare of economic interest he is a true prophet no longer, but a son of mammon. His heart degenerates and his spirit begins to die. Let him perform a religious duty, do a moral act, advocate a reform, or preach a doctrine because he must do so to guarantee his income, and he is no true shepherd now, but a hireling.
That the Church should support its ministers as a country supports its soldiers to free them for the battle is taken for granted by almost all Christians. This arrangement is found in the Old Testament and is carried over into the Church with little change. It is a wise and sound procedure and is above reproach so long as both priest and people are true children of God.
A grave obligation lies upon the church to keep the minister financially free to teach what he from the heart believes. The economic boycott is a weapon sometimes used against the man who insists upon preaching unwelcome truth, and pity the man who is caught in it. Pity more, however, the church that would stoop to exercise it.
Paul had a trade upon which he could fall back when and if the need arose, and I am not sure but it would be a good idea for every preacher to keep a needle and thread handy in case of emergency. Anything is better than to do obeisance to mammon.
A few preachers have found a happy solution to the economic problem in the simple plan of living by faith. No one can put the economic squeeze on such a man; for as he is accountable to God alone for his ministry, God is, by the same token, responsible for his daily bread. It is impossible to starve a man into submission under this arrangement, for the servant of God lives on manna, and manna can be found wherever faith can see it.
( Article taken from The Price of Neglect, Chapter 13 )
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