Deuteronomy, chapter twenty-five, verse four, provides that working animals have the sufficient feed to maintain strength and health.
They were to be treated humanely and rewarded for their labor. Even more, people deserve fair treatment for their work. The New Testament applies this principle to ministers of the gospel. Those who labor in the ministry or for Christian institutions should get paid fair wages.
The command not to put a muzzle upon the ox when threshing is proverbial. The context does not intend to apply literally to an ox employed in garnering but to be understood in the general sense. The verse is to show the restriction against muzzling an ox when it is treading out the grain. Farmers were not allowed to prevent the ox from feeding on the grain it was helping to process. Since the ox’s labor produced that grain in the first place, it was only fair and sensible for the ox to receive support from the fruits of that labor.
This verse also adds a question about whether God is concerned about oxen. The most obvious answer is yes. God is concerned enough about oxen that he sees their well-being. It is natural for apostles, workers, and even oxen to get paid for the labor: Those who do the work have the right to receive support.
However, putting a muzzle on the ox would prevent it from eating grain while it was working. This step might save a small amount of grain, but the ox can’t replenish its strength while it works: However the more sensible and fair to let the animal eat while it works. The net benefit is considerable: it’s both beneficial and impartial for those who labor in teaching and preaching in the church to receive pay for their work.
The only concern is the relationship the leader has with God. The person leading the people has his heart set on the benefits more than solely the Lord, the threat of prosperity operation could affect the congregation and the direction of the ministry. However, if this is not the case, there should not be concerns about the leader being distracted with money.