1 Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor financial support, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain to keep it from eating,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages he deserves fair compensation.”

There are many men and women in the Body of Christ today that are doing the work of the ministry. Each one has a specific message to deliver to the church. Some preach foundational truths, while others preach end time prophecy. There are also those who work in the trenches and share the gospel on the mission field, both here and abroad. It’s a big job to reach this world for Christ and it takes a diversity of people to meet the needs of the masses. We’re all in the Body of Christ together to make sure as many as possible enter into God’s kingdom.

There are many struggles to carry out this task. Some who are not in the Kingdom of God would like to see the church silenced. Satan and his cohorts would like to see the church destroyed because it interferes with his diabolical plans. But, there is even a greater force at work in our midst that is slowing down the growth of churches and tearing down the work the ministry. There are those in the Body of Christ who are loading their “spiritual guns” and aiming them at the Pastors, leaders, and missionaries to destroy their efforts of building the kingdom. The “ammo” being used to accomplish this is one of the tiniest members of the human body – the tongue.

You see, what we say is vitally important to the success of the church. There are various “bullets” that many Christians are using today to “shoot off at the mouth” that is hindering the spread of the Gospel. These “bullets” include:

1. Gossiping about the Pastor

2. Complaining about how much money a minister is paid

3. Telling others that you could do a better job

4. Criticizing the messages that are being preached

And the list goes on. Let’s stop this insanity! Don’t shoot the messenger! He or she is simply doing what God has called them to do. It’s time to lay down those “spiritual Guns” and put the “bullets” away and stand beside these workers of the Word and help build the Kingdom. Do what Aaron an Hur did with Moses and raise the hands of those leaders around us with prayer and words of encouragement. The Scripture above says they are worthy of their hire. If possible, take it a step further and bless them financially. They should be the richest folks on earth. It’s time we give honor to whom honor is due. When we begin to do this, nothing can stop the Church from winning this world for Christ, then we can rejoice because the return of Christ will be close at hand!