Socialism and Support Raising

Last night I had a conversation that left me extremely bothered. It wasn't very long and drawn out, thankfully(because I probably would have soon lost all social graces), but it was long enough to leave me pondering even more the lack of understanding of what missionaries do. Now I don't want to get all biblical here and start quoting verses and getting on my high horse, but let's just say that I believe that missionaries are to be treated the same way financially as other church leaders, and that there is indeed a biblical precedent for it.

The issue that came up last night was whether missionaries have a socialistic mind set. In other words, they expect to be supported by others. Replace the government with the church and according to the person with whom I was conversing, it's a socialistic mindset. We should evidently all be working a full time job. Nowwwww, before I completely blow a gasket here and go off on a tangent about the fact that most missionaries would have a very difficult time working in a foreign country; that working full time completely takes you away from full time ministry(in other words, it's impossible); that according to Paul we are worthy of those wages and the churches were encouraged to care for him and the others; that God provides for everyone in the first place, whether it be providing a job or providing support etc., etc., etc., I will try to calm myself down. Breathe in, breathe out. In. Out.

Ok. So now my question is simply this: what has happened to the church body that people no longer see caring for and coming alongside of missionaries as partaking in the Great Commission? Instead, missionaries are seen as beggars looking for a handout to gallivant around the world while the rest of the people stay home and work. Really?? There are so many things wrong with this thinking that my poor indignant brain just can't wrap itself around the lies that Satan has spread within the church to slow down the fulfillment of "going into every nation, spreading the gospel, and making disciples." Would that I could- to get out there and shake up the minds of the complacent and foggy minded and those who are too trapped in their own little world to see the awesome task that has been set before us.

So just GO. And help others GO. And help those who are there STAY. And take part. And be active in fulfilling the Great Commission. There are no excuses. I'm not embarrassed to be called a Socialist for God, because He's the One who's providing for all of my needs.