Phil
1 Timothy 5
Some personal reflections from this morning. There is a creative tension between both verses below.
"Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching."
1 Timothy 5:17 NLT
James 5:4
"For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies."
James 5:4 NLT
Both these verses are relevant not only for elders (not just for those who hold these positions in church). Elders just mean those who may be older or people who have walked close with God for a long time.
It is more important that any person gain the mindset of an elder who desires to preach and teach - in all of life, not just the church. Just as all elders need to stay close to Jesus, so do we.
Lord grant us not be like an elder brother whose heart has hardened himself against the father, but grant us the grace to work hard, preach and teach the good news in all of life.
In James 5:4, Likewise bosses don't just refer to those who cheat field workers. We too can be such corrupted workers. We can be exploiting people unknowingly. Even in a time such as this.
Help us Lord to be aware of the cries of the field workers and front liners.
