Tangible Results

Pastors have oftentimes hung their inner feelings and sometimes their self-image on the tangible results of the ministry that surround them. Wanting to see whether or not the Budget is being met, Baptisms are happening, Bodies are in the pew, and Buildings are being built. Those in the ministry can be as self-indulgent as anyone else and the reason why I say this is because I am in the ministry and I can be self-indulgent. There are times that I have wondered "am I being effective?" I have believed that I was being effective, but the tangible results weren't there at the moment. There was a lack of conflict at times and at other times life was full of conflict, but I was wondering where was the positive momentum forward for the Kingdom. Two things have helped me and I pass them on hoping that they help you along with one side note. One, others have gone before us who have felt alone and have felt like they weren't accomplishing anything for the Kingdom but they were faithful - Noah, Jeremiah, Elijah. They learned when it was all over that God wanted faithfulness and obedience over all else. Results are up to Him. This leads to the second truth that I have learned. I am to be about God's work not my own. This is about pleasing Him and not me. Ultimately, I do serve an audience of one, and how freeing this wonderful reality is. One final side note, the last few weeks there has been an unusual amount of "tangible results" in the ministry. People have gotten saved more than normal, people are speaking with me about God calling them into the minstry and other wonderful works of God. Does this mean that God just started to work. No way! He was at work all the time, but He was gracious enough to ket me see under the cover and it is so encouraging to see His Spirit's work in people's lives. So keep your chin up and your knees down and let's do our greatest work for the Kingdom.