Muzzling an Ox

Don’t hinder God’s servants through a failure to support their ministry financially. This is what the biblical term muzzling an ox means.

“You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing.”—Deuteronomy 25:4 NASB

The picture is clear. An ox is at work, threshing grain. Why would anyone want to put a muzzle on this ox? The impact of this muzzling would be depriving the ox while productive activity was taking place.

While initially directed toward farmers, this charge applies to every area of life. It is pertinent as well to those who are called to serve God as Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 9:1–14.

Answering his critics, Paul reminded them that he had been called by God. They knew he was a true apostle because they had seen his impact on countless lives. He cited this passage from Deuteronomy to put his response in context: His actions merited the financial support of the people to whom he had been ministering.

Paul’s message to the people of Corinth was simple. “The Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (v. 14). They must not only recognize the importance of the Gospel, but also recognize and support those who are called by God to preach the Gospel. They were not to “muzzle the ox”—that is, hinder God’s servants through failure to support their ministry. They had a responsibility to support those with proven ministries, enabling them to keep fighting the battle and plowing the fields.

As God directs you, support the work of ministries that are bearing fruit. Dedicate yourself to seeing the Gospel proclaimed.

Reflection Question: Is it time to revisit and update your charitable giving plan?