Real ministry is not about me or you…
1 Cor. 1:14-17
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
There was a problem with the Corinthians that said something like this… I was baptized by this person or that. Really it was a prideful situation – for you to be able to say that you were baptized by the prominent leader in the church which brought a level of credibility to YOU.
We still associate with people based on what their level of success is (or perceived success) in the ministry. Why – because all of us want to be looked upon as special or useful to the Lord. We want the Lord to take us and make us the prominent one!
I find that I am exactly the same way. I am a musician and songwriter as well as a Bible teacher for a group of men called the Upper Room. I have about 12 guys that come regularly. I have also written about 100 or more songs over the years… None of which have ever really done much in the eyes of the world. Sure – family (my wonderful Mom) and some friends think they are good. BUT – for the most part – I have always wanted to be the best Bible teacher – or songwriter – or business owner! Why – because I want to “Feel” important and “looked upon” as special.
As you know – associations in this world are important. God does move within your associations with others – networks – etc… BUT God does NOT want me to associate with anyone within the context of ministry – whereby the cross of Christ and His death – is not primary.
Paul says that he didn’t baptize and speak in such a way that it was impressive in an of itself – “less the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.”
Application
- Why do you do – what you do – in ministry? Are you seeking an association with some prominent leaders – in order to make your efforts more recognizable? Is it about you building YOUR ministry – rather than the ministry of the Cross?
- Are you ok with just doing what you do in terms of ministry – leaving the results up the Sovereignty of God? Or do YOU feel that YOU must push and YOU must seek associations – in order that YOU will finally be heard – because YOU are so special? Notice what the focus is – YOU! Too many “ministers” are in the “business” because of money – and prominence – rather than Christ and Him crucified.
Paul was not self-focused in his ministry. He was willing – and did – lay down his life for the cause of CHRIST – not some private cult of people whom he had baptized – and now can say that he was the cause of their change. We need to consider what our motivations are in our ministry efforts.
Most people do not read this blog post. I don’t really know if anyone is reading it. I don’t really care. I know that the Lord sees it and agrees! He can use it if He chooses or He can put in on the back of the shelf and never let anyone see it. That’s ok with me. He has His word and His Holy Spirit as His primary means to changes lives – not this article.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY – not Tim Gowens.