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Week 4
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
During this Lenten season, some Christians have the tradition of giving up a valued item in response to Christ coming and giving up his life for us. We may sacrifice items such as sugar, chocolate, alcohol, television, and other items that are not necessarily positive in the first place. In this world of alcoholism, perfectionism, and other addictions, I want to look at the glamorized addiction—workaholism. Workaholism has even entered the Church family and is a hindrance to our growth and witness in the world.
Working in ministry and working with many others who are also in ministry, I see that the world is in sad shape and has multiple needs. So what exactly should we give up in ministry that would produce positive results?
First, we need to give up the idea that ministry is for the few superheroes of the Church. Leadership and clergy are to serve together with all the Body of Christ. In actuality, all members are both leaders and followers within the Church.
Second, we need to give up working in an area of ministry where we are not personally gifted. I can be at fault for jumping in and serving in areas where I am not gifted. Metaphorically, when performing ministry outside our giftedness, we look like sumo wrestlers doing ballet. It just does not work well.
The foundation to these two ideologies is the belief: “If I do not do a certain ministry activity, it will never happen!” This selfish desire is the source of the two problems mentioned above and hinders ministry in two ways. First, it keeps me from doing the ministry that God has gifted me to do and do it well. Second, it may keep others from doing the ministry for which God has gifted them.
We tend to fall in this trap as Christians because we feel compelled to be the “perfect Christian or minister.” Christ is the only one who is the perfect minister and He is our example. We see in Scripture that He did not heal everyone’s physical sickness. The best example is the event that took place at the Pool at Bethesda in the Gospel of John, Chapter 5. He choose a certain man to heal, not the dozens of others surrounding the pool wanting healing.
Similarly, Christ took time to pray and meditate in solitude when the masses were seeking Him. We, as Christians and followers, need to follow His example. Yes, Christ was selfless and sacrificing in His acts of ministry, but He also took care of his own personal needs so He could help others.
Mark 6:46 tells us that “. . .after bidding them farewell, He departed to the mountain to pray.” Jesus gave up his activity to go and be alone and pray. When we cease in our activities, sometimes even ministry activities, and strive less, our relationship becomes deeper and grounded in knowing God.
Prayer: This Lenten season, O God, as we think about what we can give up to strengthen our relationship with Christ, may we also see clearly the practices and disciplines that we should add to our lives in order to be more effective disciples. Amen.
Jody James
Chaplain
Director of Spiritual Care
The Residences at Franklin Park
Baptist Home Association
Denver, CO
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