August 10
We have all been ‘put off’ by the allegations of impropriety that have dogged the heels of prominent ministry leaders. From stories of frequenting houses of ill repute to traveling abroad with illicit lovers, to imbibing far too much from the fruit of the vine, to improper bookkeeping of the monies entrusted to them for the furtherance of the gospel, they have disappointed those who trusted them.
On the other hand are those of profound faith—those who serve the Lord anticipating and receiving no reward for their efforts—who tend to be harsh in their evaluation of themselves. They are inclined to suspect that were they only a little more fervent in their prayers, a little bolder in their outreach, they would accomplish more for Christ’s Kingdom.
They fall into the pattern observed in Isaiah 6:5 where the prophet says, “Woe is me, for I am undone! I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips.” Here, Isaiah is not only chastising himself, but taking upon himself the sins of his people.
Believers in Christ must not fall into either trap! We must recognize that it is not our goodness that has given us the right to serve or to prosper in serving! It is His good pleasure by which we further the purposes of His Kingdom—it is because we are under the blood of Jesus that we have honor--to serve honorably.
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