The Lot of the Levites

He said of his father and mother,

    I have no regard for them.
He did not recognize his brothers
    or acknowledge his own children,
but he watched over your word
    and guarded your covenant.

He teaches your precepts to Jacob
    and your law to Israel.
He offers incense before you
    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.

Bless all his skills, Lord,
    and be pleased with the work of his hands.
Strike down those who rise against him,
    his foes till they rise no more.

Deuteronomy 33:8-11

Soapbox time...

My husband and I are church musicians.

Though we've made a fair living making music for the Lord, I can't say that our paychecks have even closely resembled that of a "higher" position outside the church.  Why do people continue to think that the church musician can actually live on the amount of money given them by the church they serve?

Most have to take on responsibilities outside that realm in order to pay their bills and many live hand-to-mouth.  Those who are not musicians have no idea how much time is spent preparing for a service and the sacrifice of family necessary for their jobs.  The Levite was a church worker/priest.  All of the responsibilities of "running" a church belonged to them.  What would the church be without them?  Unfortunately, many find themselves in this position...

Photo Credit: Danny Chapman and antonf on Flickr's Creative Commons