Why Preach The Gospel?
Some years ago I knew a man, physically strong, mentally wiser than most men, a hard student, one with a retentive memory and a good vocabulary. He was a gospel preacher whose efforts were attended with marked success. Consequently his services were in demand beyond his home community. Often he engaged in debates with men who did not teach the whole truth.
Years passed and his compensation for time spent in preaching was not as much as that of some men whose ability was less noted than was his, who were working in the business world. So he began devoting part of his time to secular — money making — employment. Preaching the gospel was relegated to second place — by this I mean, he devoted most of his time and energies to business — study — industry — how to make money by honorable business methods. Six days per week were devoted to moneymaking business; and on Sunday when opportunity presented itself he would preach. During this time his interest in the church waned. If in his business career a religious question arose, if to contend stoutly for the truth would show the false teaching or views of a prospective client, he would smile, change the subject, thereby failing to be true to his convictions; he was guilty of sinning.
There is a saying which I heard when a mere lad: "Take your religion with you in your business and politics; but keep your business and politics out of your religion."
It should be profitable for all to mull over the question: "Is it possible some men are preaching the gospel because it is a "white collar job"? one with little work and a lucrative salary, an easy way to make a living? Do they enjoy preferences shown in many ways, being welcomed into many homes, cut rates on merchandise etc.? Is the preacher of today engaged in the work to save souls? Does he strive to please Jehovah; or is he preaching for the reason that there is nothing else which he can do that will pay him as much money? Is it an easy way to make a living?
Read with me: "Woe to me if I preach not the gospel." I am not oblivious to the record of God's call of Paul and work to which he was sent. Nor am I forgetful of: "The things thou hast heard of me, commit them to faithful men who shall be able to teach others." The question arises when a man makes preaching the gospel a secondary work is he a faithful man?
I recall when I was younger than I am now, when in Nashville Bible School, Nashville, Tennessee, many young men came there to study the Bible, many of them with the urge and determination to preach the gospel. There were numbers of congregations in, and others not far removed from Nashville. There were also a number of mature men in Nashville, who made their living in the commercial field; but preached on Sundays receiving compensation from the congregations served. The "preacher boys" were unhappy about this situation and registered complaint saying: "These men make their living in the commercial world, and then are paid for speaking on Sundays; should these opportunities and the remunerations not be given to young men who are preparing to devote their lives to preaching the gospel? Should they not let us prospective preachers fill these commitments?
Recently I have learned of more than one man who has been preaching for some time, turning to the commercial field, and planning to preach on Sundays. They plan to earn enough at their daily occupations to preach on Sundays "Gratis"!
This plan, "Preach Gratis," is contrary to the teachings in the Bible, further it may be an injustice to the congregations where they preach. There may be a marked difference between a "good preacher" and a man who can preach a "good sermon."
There is a fast growing tendency toward greater commercialism in the church. In some places a brother makes his living in the commercial field, and because he is a good "Song Director" demands a salary to direct the song service in the work of the church where he works each Sunday.
"Brethren think on these things!"