We often read the Old Testament and dismiss it as ancient agricultural advice.

Take Deuteronomy 25:4: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”

It sounds like a rule about being kind to animals. And it is. But the Apostle Paul tells us God is actually establishing a principle of payroll for the church. He asks a blunt question: "Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes?" (1 Corinthians 9:9-10).

Paul clarifies this in 1 Timothy, linking the "ox" directly to the pastor.

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

The term "double honor" here is not just about respect; the text implies double pay. The New Living Translation even renders it: "Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well."

This is practical.

When a pastor or leader has to use their own salary to buy expensive commentaries, study tools, or thick theological books, the church is muzzling the ox. When a pastor is too stressed or under-resourced to rest, the grain stops coming.

The wisdom of the text is specific:

  • Build them a library. Don't make them buy the tools they need to feed you.

  • Sponsor their rest. Send them on holidays. Ensure they have the margin to recover.

  • Pay them well. Jesus Himself said, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

This isn't charity. It is an investment in your own spiritual diet. If you ensure your leaders "feed well" physically and mentally, they will "feed you well" spiritually.

You cannot starve the chef and expect a banquet.