If I were asked (and often am…), “What is the best/worst part of being in ministry?” the answer is simple. The best and worst part of being in ministry is the same thing: people.
People are the best thing about ministry because I get to see people who are far from God awakened with life in Christ. I get to watch a new or stagnant Christ-follower make the tough choices that separate them from who they were and who they are in Christ. I get to see God work in unique and powerful ways. Hurt people learn to forgive, selfish people learn generosity, and the work of God moves on. People are easily the greatest, most rewarding thing, not just in ministry, but in life as a whole.
But people are also the hardest part of ministry! People can be mean, unforgiving, hypocritical, arrogant, and beligerent. And that’s just from some people that claim to follow Jesus! I’ve seen people that we have poured our lives into betray us and hurt us. I’ve had people that I thouht were committed to the work God was doing at our church leave us for the new “cool” ministry down the road. A blow to any leader’s emotions. I’ve watched other church leaders run off on their spouse. And perhaps the most frustrating, watching someone attend every week, go through the motions, but never take hold of the life Christ is waiting for them to step into. They “have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.” It’s like getting married and then going back to the way you lived before you met your spouse.
But for every frustration, heartache, and let-down, the joy that comes from seeing a life genuinely changed is worth it. You can’t get into a fight without expecting to get dirty. Life and ministry are messy! But nothing worthwhile is ever easy. And people are worth it!
John
pastor john i like the worst and best of minstry and i am trying so hard to do what god wants me to do and i have grown so much and still am but there are some problems i have that i cant break and i have tryed to break them a couple of times but i cant seem to do it i pray about it alot and i guess its not time or something are there any soluations that u mite have in mind because the pain inside my heart and soul is killing me and i dont want to waiste the time that god has given me to serve and love and bring him glory and i always felt different when i was little and i feel alot different and i cant even explain the passion that god has given me to serve him and to know him more and if u cant help me in any way just please pray for me please i need a awakening in my life and if u didnt know my problem is smoking and i thank god that he has put people like u in my life and pastor john thank u so much for that book sun stand still it is a blessing just like you and edgewood are i hope u get this message thank you
Without giving you a whole sermon, and to do more than “just” praying for you, I would suggest that you consider what “Sun Stand Still” is teaching and apply it to this situation.
You have a desire to be free of smoking, for your health, family, testimony and so on. That may not seem like a “big deal” but clearly this is something that you are passionate about kicking. and that’s a good thing. Pray for God to deliver you through this habit, and then decide what your corresponding action is. Maybe you pray, and then start spending your money for smokes on some nicotine patches, or gum. Don’t just pray for God to take it away, take action. Faith is doing all we know to do and trusting God to do what only He can do.
Also I would say, “Get in a group.” LifeGroups are there to support each other through stuff like this. We’re stronger together. Love you, bro! I’m here for you.
John