One of my senior friends in ministry dropped by our church recently. He was en route our city to another for a ministry engagement. We met for barely five minutes. Immediately, I reached out to my wallet and packaged a few thousand for him. He tried to refuse it, but I insisted with this statement; “We don’t allow men of God to go empty handed in our ministry. It is our culture.” That seeming impromptu visit met the right response from us. We understand God’s reward system.
Friend, do you understand God’s reward system? When I read about the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4, I am always moved by her attitude. She perceived that Elisha was a holy man of God (2 Kings 4:9). Perception is key. How do you perceive a minister of the gospel? How do you see your man of God? Do you see him as a useless and jobless person or as the key to your next level? Do you see him as a burden or a blessing?
You cannot receive from a man of God more than your revelation of who he is, what he carries, and what he represents (Mark 6:1-6). That simple act of honour for Elisha led the woman of Shunem to multiple miracles; barrenness destroyed, resurrection of her son, escape from famine, as well as divine compensation, and much more (2 Kings 4:13-17, 8:1-6). You don’t know what you miss when you fail to honour ministers of God.
Whereas ministers of God are not to demand honour or honorarium, God’s people must be taught the culture of honour (Matthew 10:8, Galatians 6:6). Never take a minister’s simplicity for granted, or else you pay dearly for it. In fact, those ministers who are simple, unassuming, and less demanding are supposed to be honoured greatly (2 Corinthians 11:7-9).
What you give a minister is honour. What you partake of is grace (Philippians 1:7, 4:15-19). That grace is part of your reward from God. You cannot buy it in the market. You cannot even work for it. One encounter with a genuine servant of God properly honoured can end years of struggle in your life. When God wants to change your life, He shortens the distance between you and His prophet (2 Chronicles 20:20). But what would you do with such an eternal opportunity?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria