In
his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul, not being one to mince words, throws
out a challenge to all followers of Christ:
“As a prisoner for the Lord,
then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1
This calling, which in a general way is the calling to be
a disciple of Christ, and more specifically is also a calling to ministry, is a
calling that I think sometimes we undervalue. Do we really
appreciate that Jesus Christ - the Creator of the universe and Saviour of the
world - has uniquely gifted and called us each to a specific ministry?
“It was he who gave some to be
apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors
and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of
Christ may be built up….” Ephesians
4:11-12
I’m being challenged lately to appreciate the calling
that I have been given as pastor. Even
when it stinks. Because a lot of the
time I don’t. I prefer to grumble and
complain.
But I am blessed beyond belief to be able to preach and
teach the Word of God and care for the people that God puts in my life. I actually
get to lead God’s people, at least in
my little corner of the world, and that is a huge responsibility, but it is
also a huge privilege.
Being is a pastor is an honour so great that every Minister
of Word and Sacrament should thank God each day for the calling. Even when the finances are in trouble, or the
pews aren’t exactly full, or those three negative people that every church has are
trying to block every move you make forward.
But this isn’t just a message for pastors. You know as well as I do that people not
fortunate enough to cover the rent by doing ministry can also grumble and
complain about their calling in the Church.
Whether you are an elder, music leader, Sunday school teacher,
caretaker, greeter, youth worker, or whatever it is that Jesus has gifted you
to do - you are commissioned by Christ to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received.
Part of that is being thankful for the job you get to do
for Jesus, even when it stinks.[1]
So what do you do when you misplace your joy in your
ministry?
-A
www.knoxmidland.ca
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