I offer you two verses once again for your consideration, and I ask this of you, when you read the second one, pay close attention to your thoughts of those it is speaking of.
The first then, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2nd Thess. 3:10)
And the second, “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” (Acts 6:2)
The disciples, apostles, decided that it was not right for them to spend five or six days a week going to a job to earn money any longer. Would you agree?
The first verse, unless I am misinterpreting it states that is exactly what a man is to do, get up and go to work to provide for his family, even 1st Timothy 5:8 agrees with this idea, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
I might have missed it, but I do not recall those in the assembly of believers saying they would provide financially for those men of God and their responsibility towards their families, but perhaps a “general fund” was set aside from those who sold what they had and laid it at the feet of the apostles. I ask you this question then, two in fact, when does a man know for sure that he is called by God to quit his “day job” and go into the ministry full time, and does your pastor have a second job to make ends meet?
Tell me, how would you feel if you knew what was going into the plate as it passed you by each Sunday morning, or at least a part of the money collected, was going to make your pastor’s car payment, his credit card debts, payments on that new furniture or that loan to the bank so he could put an addition on the house he is also making payments on? Do you believe it wise and prudent for a young man to take out a substantial loan so he can attend a seminary. Are you paying for your pastor’s school loan?
Men preach differently when they are beholden financially to someone, when there are major bills to be paid, they are more likely to scratch those ears that tickle.
Those who decided it was no longer correct for them to wait tables were not looking to get out of work, they knew they would still have family obligations, but they also knew without a doubt that it was God that was calling them, and so in faith, and I am sure after much prayer, they spoke those words. Were they still working? Of course. Were they assured of what they were doing? Most assuredly, as were all in attendance that day, and it may indeed have been a part of the reason that so many sold so much and gave it to the work of the Lord, much as the people were commanded to do for the Levites.
The point of all this is this, if you are sure the Almighty is calling you into full time service for Him, you had better be one hundred percent sure. Philippians 4:19 is indeed a truth for all, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” but if that man quits his job and he is wrong, well, recall that verse about being an infidel.
It would not be rude of you, in fact it would be very wise to know if your pastor is deep in debt, and if so, why. And it would be just as wise for you if you believe the Lord is calling you to serve full time to obligate yourself to Him, to provide all of those needs to do so.
