Questions
So, what’s your reason for doing what you do? The purpose of the question is to help you clarify where you are in your relationship with God. Questions can bring us back into reality, if we happen to be losing touch with purpose, identity and humility.
Why do You Minister?
When asked, “Why do you minister,” what comes to mind? A common answer is, “I feel called.” If that’s you, how long did it take you to say yes? Not everyone answers the call affirmatively. Some quickly agree, and want jump in immediately; others are still dipping their toes. There’s merit with having zeal, but there’s also merit in being cautious.
Some might say, “I can’t help it.” There’s a number of people in Scripture who said the same thing. Paul is one example: “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Even so, are you Spirit-led, or flesh-driven. Perhaps, a little of both. Some begin in the Spirit; but later, find themselves relying on the arm of the flesh.
How easy it is to begin with allowing Holy Spirit to lead, but then subtly take control by relying on your own reasoning. If He leads you into a counterintuitive direction, it could be tempting take over the reins. Especially, if fear is involved. Leaning on your own understanding sometimes seems more logical than letting Him guide you through uncharted territory. Self-preservation can dominate the thought process; but do remember, He knows the ending before the beginning, and has your best interest at heart. This is important to keep in mind should things appear to be going bad. Moreover, it’s part of the trial of our faith (see 1 Peter 1:6-9).
And then there’s that other thing that craves attention: pride. We want to figure things out for ourselves. We want to be the master of our own destiny. However, the best solutions come with submission. It’s easier to see where you’re going when you have the Light to guide your path. Pride is filled with blind spots.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Pride seeks glory, honor and devotion that belongs to God. So, when ministering (or doing things for others for that matter), are you seeking these things for yourself, or do you point to Jesus? It feels good to be honored. The flesh absolutely craves it. It desires other people’s devotion. It is devoid of love, hence it’s works are that of wood, hay and stubble. In short, they are dead works ready to be burned when tried by fire. Any endeavor a person makes apart from love has no real value, even if others benefit.
1 Corinthians 13:3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
