In receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God. Being able to discern what is truly the word of God seems particularly important in today’s world. Many voices are raised which claim to be speaking for God — and often these voices contradict one another. We need some criteria to help us sift out what truly reflects the word God wishes us to hear. Paul himself hints at one such criterion in the epistle to the Thessalonians when he says, You recall our toil and drudgery, working night and day in order not to burden any of you. If the word of God being proposed to you comes with a price tag there is reason to be skeptical. Obviously any ministry needs resources to continue — the lights need to be kept on! — but whatever one gives should be in gratitude for ministry received not as a prerequiste for receiving it.
