1 Corinthians 9:16-18

“What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.” vs. 18

Paul had a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he proclaimed it boldly wherever he went and to whomever he met. He didn’t get paid for what he did but supported himself with his work as a leather-worker, though he likely also received some help from congregations. His goal wasn’t to become wealthy! As he wrote to the Corinthians his reward came in making the good news free of charge. For the most part as the centuries have passed, preachers have followed Paul’s example, with some even leaving good-paying jobs to pursue their passion for pastoral ministry. But not all have followed that path. Some have discovered that religion can bring enormous material benefits and have amassed fortunes from their evangelistic enterprises. They proclaim variations of the prosperity gospel, the notion that God wants us rich, and are proud of the private jets, luxury cars, and gated mansions they have managed to acquire. And that is their reward! Their wealth gives them access to those in power, and some argue that in order to reach the wealthy, one has to become wealthy. Others remain skeptical. Simply hanging out with rich folks doesn’t mean we are reaching them with the gospel. Jesus ate with Zaccheus, but when the meal was over, Zaccheus gave away half his wealth. And that’s not what we’re seeing today!

Thought for the Day: How do people make money from religion?