"Paul addressed these words to the elders of the church of Ephesus: ‘And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and give you your inheritance among all the sanctified. 

‘I have never asked anyone for money or clothes; you know for yourselves that the work I did earned enough to meet my needs and those of my companions.  I did this to show you that is how we must exert ourselves to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving'." 
(Read the Acts of the Apostles 20:28-38).

All people of God who are in ministry of one kind or another, be it as a parent, a professional or a voluntary worker, should thank the Almighty for the example of St. Paul as he went about preaching and spreading the kingdom to Gentiles and Jews on his missionary journeys. Not only did he work to support himself but he toiled for the welfare of his companions as well. He stated so in no uncertain terms, not to boast but to instil in the minds of those he left behind to continue the work, that this is the way that they should operate.  He spoke, not out of pride, but as a teacher imparting a lesson which he prayed they would emulate.
 

Lord, root out from my heart any feelings of self esteem and pride.  May I work with every ounce of my being to spread your kingdom by the love that I give to your people; may my work be sincere and devoid of any self gratification. AMEN