Not for Hire

As I was traveling recently, I came to a stop at a traffic signal and a semi truck pulled along beside me. I do not remember the name on the logo, but I do remember seeing the following three words prominently displayed: NOT FOR HIRE. It seems that phrase means it was a private carrier, owned by a company to haul only its own goods. Since I saw those words I have been thinking about the phrase and possible spiritual applications. As a gospel preacher and sensitive toward the possibility of being accused of, or guilty of, preaching “just for money,” my initial thoughts naturally turned in that direction. Paul clearly taught the principle of a worker being supported from the work itself (1 Corinthians 9:9-11; Galatians 6:6-8; 1 Timothy 5:18). However, a preacher who rightly receives monetary support for his from a congregation may well be motivated simply by…