Do you ever find yourself going through the motions? You know, doing or saying the "right" thing, or reacting the "right" way, just because it is what you are supposed to do? Do you ever feel as though your mind and heart are one place, while your body is someplace else?
For those in vocational ministry...ok, for me, this sometimes occurs. What am I supposed to make of this? Do I neglect to say or do the "right" thing just because my heart is not in it? I think we must be wise and discerning in each situation. Last night, I was honest with the church about this experience. I sought to be transparent with them and let them know that there will be times when you become discouraged in ministry. There will be times when you are saying and doing all the right things, all the while your heart is detached from those things. My opinion is that such transparency, though risky in the eyes of some, goes a long way in connecting with people. Pretending to have all the answers (which we don't), or to always have a sincere heart (which we don't), or to always appear genuinely concerned for ALL people (which we're not), doesn't really help in ministry. So, I was, and am striving to be honest about this struggle.
In response, as a way forward, I think of Galatians 6.9-10 which says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." We must continue to strive, to serve, to give. We must keep a diligent watch over our hearts, for from them come the springs of life and upon them the Lord looks and perceives what is really there.
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2 comments:
I agree completely. I do often find myself in situations where I can step back and realize that my motives for my behavior are far less than godly. It is an interesting and for me confusing distinction-you mean we really can do good things that don't glorify God? Which is why deeds can never and will never lead to salvation. Our actions, I believe, must come as the fruit-bearing witness to the grace and power of Jesus Christ. And so transparency is so crucial-we are transparent to God, if only we could take that to our personal relationships, it might be uncomfortable but think of the glory to be given to God when we can respect each other enough to be honest. So you are right, we must continue to do good as we learn in Galatians 6, while at least for me, checking my heart and motives on a moment by moment basis. Praise God, Brother Pat!
I often hear of the need to be honest with God and others. And it seems to me it is important. However I find myself asking the question, If you don't "feel" like engaging in a ministry where there is a need should you abstain from doing it until your heart "feels" like doing it? Is there a correlation also between how we "feel" and attitude? As do others, I often do things because I think it is right even though I might not feel like it, to be honest. Where do you draw the line? Can your heart always be in the right place? I am certain that is why Paul said we must daily renew our minds. The heart can deceive us so easily, and right out of ministry. I imagine if many pastors,teachers, and other ministers only served when they felt like it - many ministries would flounder. Therefore what is encouraging to me is to hear that sometimes we all don't feel like doing our ministry but we do it anyway. We all fall and we all can get up again, and help each other up. We can encourage each other by being honest so that others will realize you don't just minister when you feel like it. Do your ministry as if God Himself asked you to do it. Do it with a cheerful heart and not worrying if others are doing it too. Ironically there is a joy that comes out of serving God in our ministry that often shines through when we hang in there through the "tough" times.
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