There are many dangers to avoid in ministry. Lack of integrity, greed and anger all threaten to destroy the ministries that God has placed us in. Yet despite these 'big' issues in our lives, there is a subtle fault line that runs through the heart of every person in ministry, vocational or not. This fault line can make subtle shifts without being noticed, but eventually if not kept in check, you will see a very large crack in your walls of your ministry, that can cause your entire ministry to crumble.
The issue is a Christ-centered ministry vs. a me-centered ministry. This is always the issue. As John Piper says we must stop loving Christ in order to sin. This concept can be applied to ministry as well. We must stop centering our ministry on Christ for it to become a me-centered ministry.
Paul writes:
"For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord and ourselves as bondservants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves"
This is a common problem for all people in the ministry and I have to confront myself with the issue often.
Here are some sure-fire signs of a me-centered ministry:
- A sense of entitlement. This is poison in the heart of a minister. The question is not 'what do I deserve?', but 'how can I serve?'
- Lack of humilty. It's kind of a prerequisite for the one above.
- A Low view of the sovereignty of God. Rom. 8:28
- Making decisions based on 'feelings', instead of the truth of the Word.
- Little time in God's Word and prayer. Very simple, always gets overlooked, always breaks down a soldier in the army of God
- Lack of Forgiveness. Yes, forgiveness does mean to forgive then walk away from the burden. No, forgiveness does not mean you have to forget.
- Hyper-activity. Work-a-holic...it doesn't all depend on you!
Here are just a few things that I've noticed in my life and ministry that I have to constantly be aware of!
C.S. Lewis:
"The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of. Our attention would have been on God" I believe the same could be said for ministry.
Apostle John:
"He must increase, but I must decrease"
So I ask...'Where is your heart'?
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