Men…and Women, First
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It is amazing how scathing people can be when criticizing ministers of the gospel. The tolerance they give to their own frailties, they hardly give to the minister of the gospel!
The high pedestal on which ministers of the gospel are put is a two-edged sword:
- On one hand, it gives them the regard and attention they need to share the gospel.
- On the other hand, it makes people easily forget that they were men just like anyone else, but called to lead.
The latter often leads to extremes of veneration, with some comparable to man-worship! While this is often imposed, with the minister of the gospel compelled to accept and align with the concomitant expectations; many also call it upon themselves when they acquire and wear the cloak of infallibility.
As someone put it,
“They were men first; before they became men of God.”
This cannot be too far from the truth in scripture. In Ephesians 4:11-12, we read:
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV)
The use of the word, “gave” in the text above makes us aware that the minister of the gospel was one of the congregation, but was given a ministry in order to serve the rest. It is an “addition,” and not a “substitution.” As one minister of the gospel put it,
“I buy from the same market you buy from, and pay at the fuel pump just as you do! I am not exempt from whatever happens in the environment because I am a minister of the gospel.”
Additionally, while the minister ministers to the pastoral needs of others and their families, they often have no one to minister to their pastoral needs and those of their families. And being the charge leaders, they are often under attack from opposing forces, both visible and invisible.
Ministers of the gospel suffer a lot of things, but keep them in their hearts; and also bear a lot of burden for their congregations. There are times that they are themselves on the verge of breakdown, but rush off to attend to someone else. They have to be strong for others, always!
The role of ministers, as men and women leading the charge to spread the gospel, makes them attract a lot of exposure; and their visibility makes them and their families extremely vulnerable.
What ministers of the gospel need most are fervent and constant prayers; that they will be able to:
- Stand firm
- Lead with integrity
Unfortunately, the paths of ministry are littered with a lot of casualties because people simply forget that the bigger the call, the bigger the responsibilities; and the bigger the responsibility, the bigger the need for constant intercession.
Our ministers need our prayers every day. And when you do, please pray one for me too.
MEMORY VERSE
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”
(Ephesians 4:11)
QUESTIONS
When was the last time you prayed for your pastor?
Do you know that they also need prayers, maybe even more?
PRAYER TIP
Father, please help us
to lift the men leading the
charge for Christ before
You daily. That they will
be strong, and stand firm.
In Jesus’ name.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church where you can Fellowship with like minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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