The Calling and the Riches

By:José Samuel Mérida

In our modern society, where success is often measured by the size of a bank account, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that any vocation should bring material wealth. However, there is a special calling that stands in stark contrast to this trend: ministry. Serving the Lord in the church is not, and should not be, a means to accumulate material possessions; it is a call to dedicate oneself to the service of God and others.

Jesus was clear on this matter when He said, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Ministry is not just any job; it is a sacred mission where the most important task is to bring the gospel of love and salvation to people, not to earn more money.

A powerful example can be found in the Apostle Paul. He made tents to support himself while preaching (Acts 18:3). He didn’t do this because preaching wasn’t enough, but because he didn’t want to be a financial burden on the churches. “For the love of money is the root of all evil,” he wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:10). Paul understood that greed could corrupt the heart of a spiritual leader, and he chose to live simply to remain faithful to Christ’s calling.

This same principle of humility and simplicity is deeply rooted in the tradition of the Church of the Nazarene. Nazarene ministers are called to follow Christ’s example, serving with integrity and dedication. As a community, we believe that pastoral service should not seek wealth but rather guide people toward a life transformed by the power of God. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28) is a central truth in our mission.

This doesn’t mean that ministry shouldn’t be valued or that pastors don’t deserve support. In fact, the Bible teaches that “the laborer deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). However, there is a significant difference between receiving fair compensation for one’s work and using ministry as a platform for personal enrichment.

The satisfaction of ministry does not come from a hefty bank account, but from witnessing lives transformed by the power of the gospel. Ministry is full of challenges, but also immense blessings that cannot be measured in monetary terms. Seeing someone find hope in Christ, comforting the brokenhearted, and walking alongside souls in their spiritual journey is an unparalleled privilege.

If you feel God’s call to ministry, let it be with a heart ready to serve, not to accumulate. Ministry is for those who, like Paul, can say, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). If what you seek is wealth, the world offers many legitimate ways to obtain it. But if God calls you to ministry, remember that it includes surrender.

The true treasure we gain in serving God isn’t seen in this life but in eternity. As Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). Let that be our goal. Let us serve with humility and love, knowing that our reward is in the Lord!