Is it a delusion, or is it real? It seems like many want things for free. The Bible says the laborer is worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7). If we do not work, we do not eat. This principle applies to temporal things. What about spiritual things?
The Lord was commissioning the Twelve disciples to perform ministry for the unredeemed in Israel. The Disciples were to heal the sick and lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. They received this commission and power without charge. Then Jesus said, you have this authority for free so give it out for free. Serving God is a free opportunity on our part. We choose to do it or refuse to do it. Life and service are always about choices.
We, Christians, received our salvation free of charge. No internship required. No payment plan for redemption was necessary. It was the grace of God that allowed us to hear the gospel of salvation (Romans 3:24).
Churches supported Paul to proclaim the Lord to those who did not know their way to heaven. Paul did not charge the lost, unredeemed world to hear him preach (II Corinthians 11:7,8). To them, it was free. Salvation is open to all who will accept the message of God—Jesus the Messiah who redeems.
Whoever hears and accepts the gospel owes a special thanks to those who led us to the Lord’s saving grace. This truth reminds believers, the grace of God is always working to save the lost. God needs messengers to present the plain simple truth of salvation to those without His redeeming knowledge.
The New Testament closes out with the Book of Revelation. In its last chapter, an invitation gives the Saints (those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—Jesus) permission to drink freely of the water of life (v-17).
There is another invitation to every servant of God. To give your time and talents to the Lord (Romans 12:11, Ephesians 2:10, 4:16, I Peter 4:10-11). Whether in a kind word or assisting someone in placing their groceries in the car, do it for God. Whatever you give or do is the result of you freely receiving our loving Savior. “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8 NKJV).
