The Apostle Paul tells us not to be lazy. There should not be an unwilling attitude where business is concerned between Christians. We should not be lazy and dishonorable in our dealings with anybody, especially not with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
This almost happened to me. I'm embarrassed to think how closely I came to doing the very thing I am warning you about. I remember the day a young fellow came into my office and said he wanted to see me. I knew his folks so I let him in. He was excited.
"Brother Copeland," he said, "I've been listening to your tapes, and I've quit my job. I'm living by faith. I'm going in the ministry full time."
I thought, "Lord, he's going to be back through here before long begging for money." The Lord said, "Well, when he does, give him some."
"What did You say?" I answered.
"When he does, give him some," repeated the Lord. "Don't ever sit in judgment against another person's faith. You had better pray and believe God for yourself. If you don't think he has the faith to carry this, get in with him and add your faith to his."
The message I received was: Don't damn another person's faith.
The young fellow I talked with that day was Jerry Savelle.
I didn't know what I was talking about. But by acting in honor (along with following some pointed guidance from the Lord) I was blessed to have a part in his eventual success and mighty ministry.
The minute Jerry walked out of the room, I realized that God was commissioning me to help teach and train that young man. I would have missed that whole blessing if I had followed my own instincts and tried to talk him out of what he believed he was called to do.
I came close to being slothful in business (that is, in my business of being sensitive to God and helping spread His Word, directly or indirectly). God directed me to be fervent in spirit, to doubt not when dealing with a Christian brother or when serving the Lord.
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka: Kenneth Copeland Ministries