My last blog was the most read and shared that I’ve ever written. It struck a nerve among over committed and over worked ministers. But even as I was writing it I worried that some would use it as an excuse to justify sloth. So, please allow me to offer a few suggestions by which a pastor may examine his/her self as one who has been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Ministers must be self-motivated. Ministry is tough work. It’s not for wimps. The lazy need not apply. Some people are born motivated, others need to be pushed. Christian ministry requires that we develop the necessary discipline of self-motivation. Motivated people are people with purpose. Throughout the Gospel of Mark we find Jesus that had purpose and was motivated. At least forty times the word “immediately” is used to speak of Jesus or his disciples. There was a sense of urgency about the work of God. Paul spoke of the ministry as “labor and hardship” (2 Corinthians 11:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). He wrote,
For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf… (Colossians 1:29-2:1).
Ministers must be diligent in the spiritual disciplines. The most important thing we do is preach/teach the Word of God. That requires diligence in prayer and study (Acts 6:4). There are no short cuts. Paul exhorted, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). To adequately prepare each sermon/lesson means hours of prayer, research, and contemplation. If you are called to preach, then you are called to read. If you find yourself referring to a sermon website, or taking other similar shortcuts, then you are not being diligent in study.
Ministers must be seen and heard. As I read the Gospels and Acts, it is readily apparent that Jesus and the apostles were moving and speaking. They were moving from one place to another always looking for an opportunity to engage people with the gospel. We must go where the people are – hospitals, prisons, schools, and homes. We must learn to follow the Spirit as we are engaged in the mission of God. The Spirit will move us, lead us, guides us, and sometimes even push us. The Spirit often leads where we do not want to go. But we must be willing to be moved. The work of God is out there – in the highways, markets, neighborhoods. So let’s get moving!
