Somebody, somewhere asked the question to a group of ministry wives, “What is the most shocking thing you’ve had to deal with in ministry?” There was a variety of shocking answers - affairs, embezzlement, incest in the congregation, disgruntled church members grinding axes, people being rude, all sorts of horrible and difficult things. But one person (not me) wrote the following:
"The most shocking thing for me is the bursting of the idealistic bubble I used to have about ministry. No matter how much the Bible speaks of being persecuted and having trials, I guess I never really believed it would happen to me. I mean, wouldn't people see how much we loved Jesus and catch onto the vision to spread it to others? Isn't that what the church is all about? And any trials we encountered would be because Satan was trying to thwart our efforts on God's behalf, right? What has shocked me most is that the vast majority of the people I know have no desire to grow and no desire to share the good news of the gospel. And that 8 years into ministry I'm not fighting spiritual battles in the heavenly realms, I'm battling mediocrity. That's what has shocked me the most."
I can echo those words. May God help us.
3 comments:
Be hot or cold, but if you're lukewarm, I'll spit you out.
Thank you for reminding us that choosing, not being indecisive is what matters. You can learn a lot from someone who stands his ground (right or wrong) than someone who doesnt' even know what they stand for.
Wow! That really strikes to the heart doesn't it? Not just for what kind of Christian we are to be, but why the battles of being in ministry are mostly weary-ing and not big spiritual matters.
Thanks for inviting me in. I came from the pw board to see pics of the family and stayed for a bit. :)
Hi Scrappy, thanks for visiting. I actually got that from the pw board! ;-) It hit home.
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