Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
You misapplied Matt. 7:1-6. You don't seem to know the difference between a log and a speck. If denominations all over are giving their pastors guaranteed ongoing salaries of 56k, that would be a log, and if the local churches are supporting elders by free will giving (not salary), that would be a speck. You seem to have ignored the point Jesus was making - ignoring the log but focusing on the speck.
Your OP says Lee criticized a "practice of hiring pastors and preachers to serve their flocks". Maybe he criticized the practice, not necessarily the giving of money to workers.
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As usual, I was not speaking to the Bible itself, but your INTERPRETATION of the Bible. Witness Lee's entire ministry is based on his INTERPRETATION of the Bible.
Of course, all we have is our reading of the Word and our understanding of what we read. Your "understanding" includes a double-standard that allows you to criticize others for doing the same thing you are doing.
I think you are confused. You, Witness Lee and the LSM are the critics. You have the log-in-the-eye problem. Lee started the name-calling by calling his brothers "hirelings". Your Christian brothers formally requested that you all stop your denigrating behavior toward them.
Matthew 7:3-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
3 Why do you (and Witness Lee) see the speck that is in your brother's eye (the eyes of other Christians), but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you (Witness Lee) say to your/his brother (other Christians), ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
According to my understanding, neither logs nor specks are acceptable. Both need to be removed. You take care of your log and leave your brothers alone...as they requested. You have your compensation plan, they have theirs.