Luke 22:35  And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Sometimes my spiritual focus gets all out of whack. I look around at my broken down furniture and my worn out clothes and start feeling sorry for myself. We didn’t get into this line of work, if that’s what you want to call it, to get rich, but one does need money to survive. Sometimes, these are just fleeting thoughts. Other times, they are crying sessions, or “wallowing in self-pity” sessions.

As soon as I slide down into the abyss of self-sorrow, the Holy Spirit reminds me of the myriad blessings He has given me. He reminds me that I’m just a low-down, no good, dirty, rotten sinner whom God allows to serve Him full time in the ministry. “Who am I? I am nothing!” I say to myself. I then proceed to pick myself up and smile. I go from sorrow to joy because my perspective has changed. I realize that I have everything I need. I can amen the verse above – I, too, have lacked nothing!

I’ve often heard pastors whine because they didn’t get a love offering for their birthdays or anniversaries. Or, perhaps they didn’t get a raise last year. I even heard one man say, “If I were in the secular workforce, I’d be in upper-level management.” Say WHAT? Pastoring and managing a factory are worlds apart – my husband has done both and can personally attest to the vast differences. Yet, somehow, we think we deserve the same salary and benefits that the world receives. Yes, I’m guilty of this, too. I’ve thought similar things before. It’s amazing how it all comes crashing down around me in seconds though, thanks to the Holy Spirit’s conviction. I hope that my work will gain me something more durable than 3 weeks paid vacation or a 401K fund. My goal is have riches “…in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”  Matthew 6:20.

The fact is, the man of God does deserve respect and love from those whom he serves. But a true man of God does not whine about a lack of material possessions. He takes his needs to the Lord and leaves them there. If you have a godly man leading you, do try to be a blessing and encouragement to him. God will bless you for it. Whatever type of pastor you have, pray for him. He is, after all, just a man. He needs help from the Lord to do the arduous task of feeding God’s people.

If you are in the ministry and you’re discouraged because you lack material goods, please take those needs to your Father. He cares and will meet the needs as He sees fit. Change your perspective and see how unworthy you are to do any work for the Lord.

I’ve had to do this many times. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I realize how rotten I am.