Because we are ambitious and reactionary, we may find ourselves in opposition to earlier stances. And because of the same, we may find our paths take alternative directions in ministry. We are for solitude and then for engaging the crowds. We go from actively helping the poor to retreating for times of prayer. Ministry can fluctuate from liberal to conservative and back. Our schedules fill in service only to be trimmed for spiritual R & R.
One matter stops the pendulum: Jesus. We want to get to the person; not the pattern, not the promotion. The latest fad will pale but not Jesus. When Jesus is our center radical stances and reversal of hot buttons may continue to exist, but our walk finds new stability. With Jesus in the picture one may still be found liberal on some things and conservative on others, but such comes about because he is the steady factor. Before Jesus, our pendulums ruled our moods and sometimes our vision. With Jesus we are capable of encountering one extreme and then another without being burdened; without being rocked.
When the pendulum quits swinging, we awaken to the new life we are no longer monitored by God on the basis of performance. We see His will in the light of relationship. Calendars will be our assistants but not our crowned rulers. Calls and stances and causes will be reason to be motivated but it will be Jesus alone who places complete satisfaction of peace in our desperate hearts.
1 comment:
A vital lesson for church leaders to learn. It was years into ministry that I ever figured it out!
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