1 CORINTHIANS 9:15-23

Paul understands that ministry is multifaceted. On the one hand, he is due compensation on the merit of his efforts. They are true, respectable and bear fruit. On the other hand, his efforts are only made possible through the free gift of God’s grace in his life. Without this, all of his efforts amount to “filthy rags,” according to a different letter of his. The juxtaposition of these two facts joins at the intersection of thanksgiving and generosity. Pauls ministry is thankful for the opportunity to partner generously with God’s grace. When ministry is like this, it becomes unassuming and attractive. It’s authenticity is a beacon. But when church workers demand what they are owed on the merit of their work, rather than demand to give on the merit of God’s example, a ministry becomes difficult to trust. It’s messaging loses the grace of the gospel for a recipe of human ambition that often devolves into bitterness, envy and strife. We must work out of thankfulness of God’s grace alone.