Deeper Reflection
A TRUE TEACHER IS ONE PRACTISES WHAT HE TEACHES. Like Ezra, who “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and practise it”, “and teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezr 7:10). Paul teaches this: “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Gal 6:6), and “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor [in terms of ‘wages’], especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Tim 5:17-18). But in this case, Paul “did not practise” what he was teaching. He expected the church to apply the teaching, but he did not let the teaching be applied to himself.Paul told the Corinthians, “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14). Mark these words: “The Lord commanded.” But for Paul, with regards to this divine command, it was “But I have made no use of these rights” (1 Cor 9:15). He also did not use this apostolic “right” in ministering to the Thessalonians (v.9a). Instead, Paul worked hard to support himself, ensuring that he did not “eat anyone’s bread without paying for it” (v.8). It was Paul’s act of self-giving love by denying his right: “that we might not be a burden to any of you” (v.8).We are to “serve one another” (Gal 5:13). “One another” means reciprocity. And God expects this reciprocity. But a true servant serves without expecting to be served. A true servant does not insist on the reciprocity.