Snap Back to Reality
So. It hit me. I have been avoiding reality. I realized that today. Much of what my life has been has been in service to myself. Until I came to Christ. Then my motive switched. I walk in a healthy fear of the Lord. Meaning things He (Jesus, the Lord of my life) shows me to do I do. And I do rather quickly. MOSTLY.
To paraphrase John Bevere:
Partial obedience is still disobedience.
There are no ways around this. I have been living in this half fantasy half conscious state of ministry. I was promoted less than a year ago to a ministry office I fear at the time I had no idea about.
Of course I knew what the job description said but I didn’t know what spiritual warfare awaited me when I said yes to this position. I felt God was happy with my decision and I was too. There was such peace. Caution filled my mind as I began to fearfully step into this position.
A ministry friend, and a woman I dearly admire, once held the position I hold. She did so with such excellence, I often miss her. When she passed on I was shocked and a little intimidated to carry on in ministry. In short, as I began to fill the role I have often deepened that admiration.
“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5: 17 NLT
You see, often times we walk in a level of dishonor towards people in leadership. I an the first to admit my fault in this area. I thought that leaders were just responsible to keep us all in line. This led to a lack of proper honor.
Moment of transparency:
I forgot who appointed me in the first place.
I’d lost sight of this and it caused me to drag feet on some of the things the Lord instructed me to do in ministry. Now as I slip back into my role I expect to fight. The battle is of thoughts that say you are not enough, or that somehow someone else deserves it more. I speak over you and I! I declare that fear and small mindedness is broken in the name of Jesus. Now we must pray. We must focus. We must love and live right before God. We need to live lives worthy of the death of Jesus.
Love to every reluctant leader. Love to everyone in Ministry reconsidering their position. Be STRONG in the Lord and in the power of His Might.