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mvdm · #13 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SemperFideles

I can tell you that I don't like the practice much either.

Romans 12

Quote:

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

I'm reminded of this very recently because I've run into many men who don't show mercy with cheerfulness (thinking especially of diaconal work) and serve out of a sense of burden. I've seen men literally walk away from the ministry after being bogged down by this attitude. It provides strength for a season but then cannot last the many discouragements and difficulties that attend to Church Office.

I honestly believe that the most profound development in my thinking over the last year has really been getting some of the idea of what the Gospel does to our attitudes about service. Men who ought to be impelled by Gospel motivation are really very often impelled by a Law motivation. The former can be sustained but the latter will burn out and can even ultimately shipwreck a man's home. I've literally been astonished at how the parable of Christ about the man building his house on sand and the suddenness of the home being swept away has proven true in multiple situations. It's amazing that, often times, there is very little warning from men who are all smiles and then one day stop coming to Church.

I think that if we were more careful to evaluate the motives of many men and spent more time developing Gospel belief to impel men to service then, on the one hand, elders and deacons wouldn't have to be the focal point for everything that happens in the Church. That is to say, you'd have less people standing around wanting the Church to be the focal point for everything and they'd be about their business as lightbearers throughout the week. On the other hand, those that were really called would be less likely to be burned out if their motivation was directed properly.

Don't get me wrong, I've been blessed(?) recently to find out why ministry is a full-time duty. It's not easy. It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. At the same time, though, I can't think of anything I love doing any more. It really is a privilege to serve the people that God has purchased with His own blood.

Amen to all of this!