How We Do What We Do

1 Thessalonians 2:3-8 (ESV)

[3] For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, [4] but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. [5] For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed— God is witness. [6] Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. [7] But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. [8] So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 

A desire to please God: with a desire to please God many “potholes” in ministry can be avoided.  Having this desire in any ministry in any capacity keeps the focus where it needs to be and goes beyond any appearance of evil. Why do you volunteer for Sunday School teaching? Is it to look good in front of the pastor or is it a chance for you to please God? 

Do you like being involved with the decision process at church? Why? Because you want to reach the community for Christ and help mature the Body? Or do you just like having some power?

Paul even mentions that he was not doing ministry to gain in money. That is a trap for many full-time ministers. How can they avoid it? A desire to please God is put before everything. When dealing with people, focus on walking with them in Christ. If you love the Lord, share that love with others (and that includes those that are new in Christ and those hurt by people in the church). Matthew 22:37-39 is the key here: Love God and love others. If what you do isn’t out of love for the Lord and others then you are open to the “potholes” in ministry.

Revenge: Not Needed

1 Samuel 11:12-15 ESV
12 Then the people said to Samuel, "Who is it that said, 'Shall Saul reign over us?' Bring the men, that we may put them to death." 13 But Saul said, "Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel." 14 Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom." 15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

In the light of Lord's mighty act of saving Israel, Saul refused to take revenge on his "backbiting enemies." Israel was ready to put this group of people to death. Saul chose to focus on the mightiness of God instead of focusing on a personal vendetta.

So have you reflected this on yourself yet? If you follow this blog you know I'm going to ask you to do so. Is there that one person among the brethren (remember the group that was against Saul were Hebrews) that you think would make life better if they were just not around? That person who you don't talk around and if you do you measure every word carefully for fear of your words being turned around? Or that person who makes you feel less than who you are? Or that person who is just like fingernails on a chalkboard around you?

Now that you have thought through and identified those of the brethren that you don't want to be around, take the time to identify where your focus is. Do you focus on the almighty God, Christ crucified, the indwelling Holy Spirit? Or do you focus on your personal comfort? All Christians are at different levels of maturity in their walk; you may want to pray for or even pray with these people. You may want to go out of your way to show love to them. If Jesus could die on a cross for these folks, you probably can surprise them by taking them a dinner or taking them out. Just a suggestion, but you see where I am going with this. If Christ was willing to die for His enemies, and even Saul, an imperfect king, was willing to overlook attacks, can you look past personality differences and put God first in all your relationships?