I was reading a blog post from someone who has reached a point where he believes that anything he’s ever charged for the music ministry he’s provided was a sin. He went on to say that anything that falls under the category of “ministry” needs to be offered for free, otherwise you’re operating outside the parameters of a godly disposition.

I don’t agree.

Ecc 7:16-18. It’s not either / or, it’s both / and. If you extend the line of your reasoning to it’s inevitable conclusion, then full time pastors wouldn’t get paid. You wouldn’t have “church staff.” My pastor wouldn’t ask me to build a website for free, why would I turn around and ask him to preach, lead and administer the affairs of the church for free?

And let’s not stop there. If everything I do is to be done as though I’m working for the Lord (Col 3:23), where do I draw the line between my vocation and my ministry?

I don’t. I don’t make a distinction between what’s secular and what’s sacred.

The problem isn’t money, the problem is greed. I don’t fault anyone for charging for whatever skill God has given them (1 Tim 5:18). If you’re able to make a profit that exceeds your basic needs, be sure to tithe, be a good steward of what He’s given you and enjoy it (Prov 3:9-10; Prov 10:22; Dt 8:18; Matt 23:23).

There are false prophets out there who use the Bible as a means to promote their own agenda (2 Cor 2:17). They’re going to have to answer for that (Matt 13:29-30). But don’t let the way in which some have distorted the Truth serve as the basis for a platform that lacks in both wisdom and common sense.  Sow His seed as much and as often as you can (Col 4:5), be wise in the way you do it (Prov 9:10; 15:16), keep your eyes on Him (Phil 3:13) and don’t be distracted by the motives or the lives of of other people (Jer 17:9; Mk 9:38-41; Jn 21:23).