Critical Ministry Memories #1: Grace.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Critical Ministry Memories #1: Grace. Along the journey of this life God has entrusted to us that we call ministry, there are some critical, all important things we must never allow ourselves to forget. This week I want to focus on one a day, in hopes that these might be beneficial to someone. This is just the journey I’m on, and God is reminding me of each of these daily. The first is grace.
There’s a false assumption by a slim crowd in the world that because someone serves in ministry they have their entire act together. There are the occasional people that actually think that there’s almost an element of perfection about someone in ministry. If you don’t believe that, just look at how some people react when someone in ministry falls. Not only are they devastated, but so often they are enraged. It’s almost as if they have this idea that when someone is serving in ministry they are past the point of falling. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The sad truth is that many times we who serve in ministry allow this idea to creep into our thoughts. Because of the nature of what we do (preaching the Word regularly, helping people navigate the treacherous waters of life, officiating weddings and funerals, etc) we begin to actually think, whether subconsciously or not, that we do have our act altogether. Because so many come to us with their questions or needs, somehow that begins to convince us that we are the authority on how to live life.
That’s why it’s so crucial that we always remember grace. I think it’s important to remember how much grace we’ve received. I’m not at all saying we should beat ourselves up over past sin that’s been forgiven, not at all. But I do believe it’s healthy, even beneficial to our calling, to remember just how much grace has been extended to us in our life of falling short. And if your life is anything like my own, we have received more than our fair share of grace and mercy from Him.
So today, thank God for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Those of us serving in ministry have received grace greater than all our sin. The important thing is that we extend that same grace to others constantly. It’s our calling – it’s our responsibility – it’s our privilege.



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, send an email to the address below to be signed up!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com