As I am sure you do too, I have a mother and father who gave themselves tirelessly for me and my brother. When they decided to immigrate to the States in their 40s, they were essentially giving up on their lives for the good of their children. They are of that generation that thought it natural to give up their lives if it meant that their children would have a better life.
I see this same heart of sacrifice and love when I read Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. And he is not shy about communicating what he went through for their good, and why he’s doing what he’s doing.
“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thess. 2:8
In the same vein, let me share my heart with you. As a pastor, what would make me joyful and happy regarding you? Definitely not paying me more. That would only make me feel guilty. But rather, your zeal and love for the Lord and the church. Your faithfulness in hardships, your constancy in serving others, and giving thanks to God even in difficult circumstances…
In other words, what would make me really happy as your pastor is for you to be steadily but surely growing to become more like Christ. And this will be shown in your words, work, marriage, interaction with others, and your love for the word.
I will work for your joy. Would you work for mine?
PH