Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. 

(Galatians 6.6, NET)

Having written in 6.1-5 about a couple of ways we can use our liberty in Christ for others, today Paul gets a little more specific. The chances are, the pastor of your church would love you to read this, but dare not ask you to else he seem like a money-grubbing televangelist. 

Paul writes that the one who receives instruction in the word, you, 

must share all good things with the one who teaches it, your pastor. 

This could not be any clearer, could it?

Every believer that attends a church where there is a pastor-teacher present who has given their life to the teaching of God’s Word has the responsibility to shoulder the financial support of that man. Perhaps you don’t like this, but that’s what it says. Notice with me it doesn’t say that you should contribute “If you feel like it, maybe put your spare change in the offering, now and again…”

Paul writes that the receiver of the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches the Word (cf. 1 Corinthians 9.7-14). So, very simply, do you?

Do you share all good things with the one who teaches in your church: your time, your talents, your tithe?

Does the one who teaches in your church feel cared for, supported, and able to live a life comparable to his congregation because he has access to the same financial resources? 

This is not to say that your pastor ought to be the highest paid person in church, far from it, but there should at least be equity with the majority. Almost every church budget in the world would look very different if every single member contributed to the cause, as is their Scriptural command.

For a quick and practical mental-yardstick just think;

• Does your pastor drive a beat up old car because he cannot afford a newer one? 
• Is he able to take his family on holidays and vacations as often as the average church member? 
• Does he have hobbies he wishes to engage in but cannot? You can help him with this by actually spending time with him, thereby sharing all good things by being present in his life!

I read recently that the application of Galatians 6.6 is clear: 

“The admonition is clear that as a teacher shares the good things of the Word of God, a believer is to reciprocate by sharing all good things with his instructor”.

The pastor of your local church will often wish that you’d read this and take this as literally as it is written. Since 2020, churches all over the world have experienced a drastic dip in income. For the vast majority of those who teach the Word of God vocationally this brings with it anxiety, pressure, and stress. Sadly, this need not be the case. Paul is so clear, isn’t he, that the Galatians are to support those in their midst that teach. As unpopular and uncomfortable as this may be for you to read and accept, this includes supporting them financially.

So, very simply, are you doing that as a member of the church family? 

Or are you simply a consumer without contribution?