09 21 07 Part of the Plan

“Dear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers). They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone forth on behalf of The Name, accepting nothing from the pagans. Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth.”
(3 John 1:5-8)


I don’t have time to care for people all over the world……I have a family……There’s enough work to be dome right here……I don’t have much to give……that’s the preacher’s job, the missionaries’ job, the outreach coordinator’s job, the Sunday School Department’s job……the church will care for them!

So may excuses, so many valid reasons even not to support the work of the church. John’s third epistle is a minute part of the Bible in length, but oh so important in our relationship with our Lord. Missionaries were being sent to minister and Gaius was supporting them, showing hospitality, and actually a partner in their work in many ways. Others, even leaders in the church (Diotrephes), were denying them hospitality and even leading others to ignore their needs, to the point of threatening to put them (those who supported the missionaries) out of the local church.

Have we come much further today? How many of us truly have a burden to support those who have given their lives over to full-time service for Christ? How many of us believe the church takes care of all their needs? How many think they (we) are just unemployed entrepreneurs? I must admit, before asking the Lord to accept me into His field of service, I too thought the church (or some other organizations) cared for the pastors’, ministers’ and missionaries’ needs. Eight years into the work, I realize it is all by faith and God’s promises, not man’s. There is no guaranteed salary, grocery or clothing allowance, or discount travel. There is no vehicle provided or automatic deposit into our checking account. We never know what will be available month to month or even what our schedule will look like. Imagine what it was like in Paul’s day or in this case, Demetrius’ and Gaius’ day.

Whatever we do to encourage a Christian worker is edifying. Meeting a need, whether it’s a meal, a store gift card, a tank of gas, or a sacrificial financial gift, if done for the Lord, it is encouraging and pleasing. Supporting such people, as John says, is joining them in the work! If we ALL are to see that the Gospel is taken to every nook and cranny of the earth, but if we all can’t go, then doesn’t it make sense to support the work of those who have already gone? Instead, we’d rather judge the work, much like Diotrephes and even discourage others from giving. Meanwhile, people don’t hear the Gospel! If a Christian worker has to work in the secular field to care for basic needs, than God’s work is hindered. We all need to work and give, to one degree or another! We can neither muzzle the ox nor hamstring the field worker!

Supporting missionaries and ministry leaders is becoming PART OF THE PLAN, God’s plan of salvation. We give and allow the Holy Spirit to work through the laborers. Whether it’s a short–term mission trip, ongoing outreach work such as in New Orleans, or local work within our home churches, we are to use our resources to support God’s work. You see it’s God’s work, not mine, not the pastor’s, not yours! What will we say to God when He asks, “When I was hungry did you give me to drink? When I was homeless did you give me shelter? When I was grief stricken did you give me a hug? When you had the opportunity to give so others could help me why did you say no?” We are the church so yes, it is the church’s job to care for, support, and send the workers out in a way that is worthy of our King! The harvest is so white, so ready, but the few laborers are not properly equipped to work!

Won’t you join us? PLEASE!

TSN Ministries
Box 2305
Bowie, MD 20720