iShineInMinistry

Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Life in full-time ministry is full of amazingly unique experiences and opportunities to help and serve others. Once we get the call, we get to be used for a specific purpose that God has made just for our fearfully and wonderfully made selves. As we do the work of the ministry and get to hear praise reports about great things God did that we have the privilege to be part of, we do need to stand guard to make sure our heart to serve doesn't change from one that wants to humbly walk in this calling to one that just wants to be part of the 'elite inner circle' of being in ministry.

Obviously, we all know that there is no such thing as this elite inner circle, but as time continues and the ministries we lead begin to bear fruit, we can start to become puffed up in our excitement in all that God is doing in the area where we serve. We then think that we have gotten to a certain place where we just need to be seen at outreaches and seen around the 'right people' so we can continue to have the appearance of those same humble servants we were once upon a time.

As we continue on this path, our hearts start to want to be served as leaders rather than humbly serve and be an example of a godly leader. We have to be so discerning and make sure to always do a heart check, because once we get to this place, we may get stuck there and not be effective in a way that is pleasing to God. In these times, God can still be gracious and allow our ministries to do well, which can then allow our pride to deceive us into thinking we are okay right where we are; however, we need to get back to that place of love, where we esteem others higher than ourselves and come to serve with a sincere heart.

We need to have God search and examine our hearts often in full-time ministry because the last place we want to be is seen as a "serve-me leader" rather than a servant leader. Let's always have that humble, loving heart that wants to serve God in a way that truly honors Him, brings Him glory and gives Him the praise when He is gracious enough to allow the things we do to bear fruit. We have the perfect example of the servant leader to follow, so let's be obedient as He directs us in our calling.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart...

And see if there is any wicked way in me...

Do you truly have a heart to serve or do you just want to be in charge of things? What example are you giving to the people that serve under you and to the people you disciple? Would you want to serve alongside yourself if you were a volunteer? Ask God to search your heart to see what your true motives are in ministry....