Let’s face it, too many preachers preach for too many reasons.  Some preach for some form of prestige.  This is wrong
(Luke 17:7-10 and I Corinthians 10:31).  Some preach for money.  This is wrong as well (II Peter 2:1-3).  Sadly, I have to
add here to assure no one reading it would go wrong, this does not mean preachers ought not to be supported (I Corinthians 9:
9-14 and Philippians 4:11-16).  Some preachers preach because it is the “family business”.  This is wrong for preaching is not a
“career path” (Jeremiah 20:8-9, II Timothy 2:2-4, and James 3:1).  Some preach because they think it is “easy work”.  Boy,
this certainly is not the right reason to take upon oneself the work of Christ in declaring the Gospel (I Corinthians 9:16).  We
could go on and on with the wrong reasons some have chosen to “suit up” with a Bible in their hand.

      There is one thing that I suppose some do not fully understand about those of us who preach the Gospel because of love (I
Corinthians 16:24) and we know the terror of the Lord (II Corinthians 5:11).  Have you ever felt like, as “one in the pew”, that
you were being talked to by a preacher like you were one of his children or something?  Have you ever thought why you felt
like you were just corrected or encouraged as though you are a child?  Pay attention so that no one who is older in the faith
may misunderstand this.  It is not that preachers think of those they work with as immature or actual children, but we do find
ourselves relating in a similar way that a father does towards his children whom he loves.  I know this may be hard to
understand for some, but we shall let the Scriptures explain, for I certainly cannot find the right words myself.

      Know this, the greatest compliment to a faithful Gospel preacher is to see that those whom he has labored with are faithful
to God.  That is what we live for.  Brethren, you are literally our lives.  Families of Gospel preachers often see this clearer than
the membership of the body, for they see the love and pain caused in this relationship.  Let us consider some things from
inspiration.


      John wrote: “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou
walkest in the truth.  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III John 3-4).  Let us remember
that John realizes, as do I, that God is our Father.  He is not trying to assume some religious position or title (cf. Matthew 23:
9).  His relationship with those whom he has taught is what he is discussing (II Corinthians 6:13).  If a faithful Gospel preacher
cares about those he instructs he sees them as does a father with his children.  Brethren, there is no greater sight for me than to
see the great strides you have made and that you are walking in the truth.  This is what my life is about.  Getting you, brethren,
and myself to heaven is my daily work and thought.

      There is another area of the Scriptures and the actual motivation for this article which is significant to discuss.  Paul wrote
the following to the brethren in Thessalonica: “For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should
suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.  For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to
know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.  But now when
Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good
remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted
over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.  For what
thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;  Night
and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith” (I
Thessalonians 3:4-10)?  Notice Paul’s concern for the faithfulness of the brethren.  Notice that if they failed, his labor is then in
vain.  Notice the comfort Paul received, during affliction and distress, at the news the brethren in Thessalonica were doing well.  
Notice how much their faithfulness determined Paul’s outlook on life itself.  Brethren, I could not say it any better!

      Sometimes it has been hard for you, my dear brethren, to understand why I struggle so much to ask you for your help
when my family and I are struggling financially.  I shall let the inspired words of Paul shed some light on this for you: “Behold,
the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the
children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.  And I will very gladly spend and be spent
for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (II Corinthians 12:14-15).  Unlike Paul in Corinth, I
know I am loved by you.  However, I struggle as did Paul, in asking for aid from you.  Understand, I know I am not your dad.  
I am not your mother.  However, these are the terms in which you might understand my affection towards you all.  Paul even
likened himself to a nursing mother and a father just a few verses apart in his letter to Thessalonica (I Thessalonians 2:3-11).

      When John wrote unto the brethren he called them “my little children” (I John 2:1; 3:18).  Brethren, one of the problems
with preachers today is their relationship with those they are trying to teach.  They simply do not care about them.  Thus, they
can use them, lie to them, rob them, etc.  I hope you will understand my attempt in this article to let you see into my head a
little.  Maybe you can then see why I work so hard and why I try not to be a burden unto you.  


      I understand why Paul wanted to die and leave this earth, but how he understood to abide in the flesh was more profitable
unto the brethren (Philippians 1:21-24).  I understand the tears of Paul when he had to write a corrective letter to his brethren
(II Corinthians 2:3-4).  I have been in those very shoes too often.  Maybe through the words of Paul and John you can
understand that which I am saying unto you.  Brethren, all I ask of you is for you to allow me to help you get to Heaven.  You
are my epistle written in my heart, known and read of all men (II Corinthians 3:2).  Brethren, you are the fruit of my labor
(Colossians 1:28-29)!  
Volume VIII    ~    Issue XXII   ~   February 24th, 2008
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
The Fruit of a Preacher’s Labor
By: Brian A. Yeager
When a Preacher Sees “His Children” Walking in the Truth
Conclusion