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For the Glory of Ministry or the Messaiah?
Rod ShimabukuroIf then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Acts 25:11
After 2 years, Paul was brought before Festus the new ruler to be tried as a criminal. The Jewish leaders were still seeking to have Paul killed. Paul continued to defend his innocence of the accusations made by the religious leaders over the years. His call, passion and focus was to bring the life transforming truth of Jesus to the Jews and Gentiles.
Paul used his drastic conversion for Jesus gain, not his own. His motivation is confirmed to me, by his willingness to be beaten, tortured, give his life, support himself-not depending fully on “pay backs” form others, sleepless nights praying, teaching, etc. His life was lived for the glory of the Messiah, not “his ministry.”
The conversion of Christians can easily lead to selfish gain. Christian’s can say with honest conviction that they are living for the glory of God. Yet I find myself personally always in need of weighing my motives - when I “say” that I live for the glory of God.
I guess I’m being sickened by the self promoting gain of Christians using their conversion, gifting, talents, personalities - for the glory of ministry, rather than for the true glory of the Messiah. But watch it Rod! Check your own heart. Look in the mirror of your own motives. I too am tainted with the sinfulness of living and leading others for gain of personal ambition and recognition. How sickening I can be.
I will continue to ask myself the questions:
- Am I willing to suffer - even die for the glory of my Messiah?
- Am I committed more to “my ministry” or my Messiah’s message?
- Would I seek to escape hardships for my own pleasures or comforts?
Dear Spirit of God!
Please - Please - Please...continue to convict me of my sin of selfish self centeredness! I am thick with sin and may the conviction of your life transforming truth and presence, cut through the motives, ambitions of my heart...FOR YOUR GLORY!!! HELP AGAIN LORD!!! THANK YOU...I LOVE YOU!!!
