Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“"The Next Paid Engagement"”

Thoughts for Today:

It's kind of interesting this question would be raised of whether Paul truly loved the Corinthians because he wouldn't let them give to him. The Corinthians apparently saw giving as a positive thing -- both a privilege and blessing to give into the ministry. I guess it could be reasoned that depriving a congregation of the privilege to give was a lack of love. For some people it might be considered more of a blessing if a pastor were to preach and not receive an offering. However, the Corinthians were thinking just the opposite. They considered giving a privilege.

A great portion of Paul's motivation for not accepting gifts from the Corinthians was to illustrate a significant difference between his approach and the one of the false apostles who charged high levels of compensation for their services. In our passage today, Paul asks the Corinthians to consider what would happen if they cut off all financial support. Would it not show the true motivation of these so-called great teachers? If they too would preach for free, they could prove themselves equal to him and faithful to God. However, I think it's a pretty safe assumption they would simply move on to the next "paid" engagement.

Questions to Ponder:

There was a trend in Paul's time that continues to this day: Ministry has become a profession (and a way to make money), rather than a calling. So what's the difference? The motivation. Is it to selflessly serve God's people or simply a job? If you are involved in ministry, use this opportunity to search your heart.

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.