Rich Young Preacher

Rev. Paul A. Hughes

And a certain Bible college student asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to become an anointed preacher?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good?  None is good save One.  What have you learned about the ministry?

Yea, Lord, I have learned the different types of sermon, and how to write a sermon outline with three major points.  I have learned to lead the congregation in prayer, to lead the song service, and to design a worship service that will create an atmosphere conducive to worship.  I have earned high marks in effective Christian counseling, plus performing weddings and funerals.  I have even married me a wife who is able to lead the women's group, sing, and play the piano.  Moreover, I neither smoke, drink, nor cuss.  All of these things have I kept from my youth.

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing:  sell all that thou hast, and be willing to go wherever I might send thee, regardless of the salary package, and whether thou mightest have to work a secular job for thine own support, and thou shalt have my anointing; and come, follow me.

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful; for he had expected to be paid a professional salary upon graduation.

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that set up requirements before the Lord enter into anointed ministry!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for an ambitious young preacher to become a true servant.

And they that heard it said, Who then can be anointed?  And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and served without remuneration.  And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath crucified self-interest, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not be abundantly compensated with spiritual blessings in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.