Don’t Falter In The Ministry!
Hey Friends,
Last week I was in Virgina Beach for a conference called, Whiteboard. It was a great conference; 7 leaders with 30 minutes each. I heard some great stuff. Ben Arment is adding tremendous value to the Kingdom in providing this great resource. I heard Jonathan Falwell make a comment that sent a hush across the crowd: “Don’t falter in ministry because you don’t like who God made you.” Wow, what a great thought!
His point was that we fail and falter when we try to be someone else in ministry instead of being who God made us to be. Don’t dare to compare yourself to other ministries or ministers. This trap is easy to fall into – just remember God defines your success.
It is easy to want to preach like Andy Stanley, lead like Bill Hybels, have a room like Joel Osteen, or write like Chuck Swindoll. God already has each one of them and He needs you to be the best you. He defines success. Is he smiling on you right now?
My fear is two-fold as far as I am concerned. One, is that my motives are messed up. It is easy to do it for the applause of men and miss the favor of God. The second fear I have is falling into the trap of letting the world define success. It is easy to let the world define our destination and not the One who called us into the ministry in the first place. We are trying to win the world, not placate it.
Do you like who God has made you and where He is taking you? Learn to love it and you will enjoy life soooo much more. He made you and He doesn’t make mistakes. Philippians 1:6 says, ”He that began a good work in you will bring it to completion to the day of Christ Jesus.”
Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!
I’m just saying…
Pastor Chris
2 Comments
I’m liking this one today Pastor! “Free to be me.” Sounds simple enough but I know we all can get caught up in distractions of who God has called us to be because of many reasons. Yep, been there done that, probably will be there again. So thankful we are all a part of the body of Christ that continues to grow and edify each other to bring us closer to Him and help us become what He created us to be.
Even though you’re just saying, I needed this reminder today! Thanks!
Easy trap to fall in. Christianity is full of correction, change, and growth… and that’s a good thing. We’re also supposed to be learning from godly mentors, friends, and pillars of the faith… and that’s great too. With all that change, with learning from others, and with our natural bent to self-criticism, it’s hard to fully express the uniqueness that we were given and that God loves.
I need to focus on what God has approved of. If the holy spirit has encouraged me while doings something or if I see God’s hand supporting me, I need to remember who God encouraged me to be.
Andy.