“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 (NLT)
Paul reminds the overseers in Ephesus that their assignment was to feed and shepherd God’s flock. He had entrusted their work, their responsibility, and their lives to God, confident that God’s grace and Holy Spirit would equip them and provide for every need. But before he says goodbye, Paul gives them one more warning: don’t flip the script.
Paul had not sought silver, gold, or fine clothes. He had not used ministry as a way to be served. He worked hard with his own hands so he could provide for his needs, help those who served with him, and make sure the generosity of the church could bless the poor, sick, and needy. Paul lived out what Jesus taught about: it is more blessed to give than to receive.
That doesn’t mean receiving is wrong. Paul teaches elsewhere that pastors should be cared for by the flock. But his example shows the heart of a shepherd is not focused on what can be taken from the flock, but on what can be poured out on the flock. Regardless of our role in the body, we become a drain on our church and community if our focus is on the getting. When our focus is on the giving, whatever we receive can be multiplied and shared.
Our job is not to become a pond, but to be a creek or a river in the Kingdom of God. Wherever our assignment is, however our lives are structured, the heart of Jesus is that we would be givers, not getters. As shepherds, ministers, leaders, and followers of Jesus, we can trust God to provide for our needs while we focus on feeding and caring for the sheep he has assigned to us.