Perspective Check

I remember getting started in ministry – I was young, excited, full of hope and couldn’t believe that God actually chose me to be part of His big plan!

I also remember the first time I encountered other ministers who were hurt, jaded, calloused and full of complaints about the ministry. I wanted to blurt out: “do something else, please!”

It’s been 17 years now. I’ve certainly had challenges, difficult days, battles to fight and plenty of opportunities to get hurt.

However, my perspective remains the same: I’m excited, full of hope and can hardly believe that God actually chose me to be part of His big plan!

I think every once in a while, we need to do a perspective check: are we viewing ministry the way Jesus does?

What is Jesus’ perspective on ministry?

MINISTRY ENERGIZES ME (vs ministry drains me).
“My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” (John 4.34)

THE BEST DAYS FOR MINISTRY ARE NOW (vs someday or the good old days).
“I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” (John 4.35).

MINISTRY IS REWARDING & FUN (vs “poor me” working so hard for nothing).
“The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!” (John 4.36)

MINISTRY IS A PRIVILEGE (vs somebody owes me something)
“I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” (John 4.38)