“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (1 Peter 5:2).

The elderly lady lived alone and always looked forward to listening to the daily radio program of the First Baptist Church. It had been several years since she was able to leave her home due to her serious health problems. Faithfully every evening at 6:25 she would wait to listen to the five minute daily radio program where the pastor of First Baptist Church would read a verse or two of Scripture and speak about how it applied to lives today. The day came when a significant situation developed in her life and she worked up courage to ask the pastor to come to her home. Sharing with him about her situation, the pastor lovingly ministered to her. When it came time for him to leave, she reached for her purse and pulled out her wallet. Before the pastor knew it, she pulled out several twenty dollar bills and tried to pay the pastor for his ministry. “I cannot accept any money from you, dear friend,” he graciously but firmly said. “The church family takes very good care of my family and me. I could never accept your money for me to come and minister to you. In fact, the Bible commands me to serve willingly, not for money that is received dishonestly or at least is questionable,” the pastor continued. He would have a wonderful ministry in her life, but only after she promised him that she would not try and pay him for his service. Wise pastors today will take heed to Peter’s strong admonition in our verse for today.

For today: Pray for your pastor. He needs wisdom in fulfilling his calling.