iShineInMinistry

1 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)

…in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Just because we serve in full-time ministry, it seems as though people think we do not have sin issues that we struggle with in our daily lives. Whether our issue is fear, a false sense of control, pride or a tongue that refuses to be tamed, we can sometimes find ourselves trying to ‘fake it until we make it’. Although we teach grace and the work that the Lord does in the hearts of others in our Bible Studies, retreats, conferences and small groups, we sometimes forget that those same messages and bits of wisdom that we impart are also for our walks with the Lord. Here are some things we need to guard against as we serve in leadership so that God can also do a work in those areas of our lives where we struggle.

We need to make sure that we do not try little shortcuts as the Lord deals with those areas in our lives. Many of us try the route of avoidance with the problem we have and having someone hold us accountable. We simply brush off our bad attitude, hostility, and prideful thoughts and excuse them as something else that sounds less sinful. Or, we may even admit we have a problem, but then skirt the issue of having a sister in the Lord help to hold us accountable. Another thing we may do is focus in more on the things we do better in our walks and hope that it balances out that ‘bad thing’ we struggle with. Each of these options are quick fixes that do not allow us to truly deal with what our problem is…sin!

Let us be transparent with ourselves, with the Lord (He already knows anyway, we might as well admit it) and someone that is strong in the Lord that can help us to overcome those areas where we need a little extra assistance in becoming more than conquerors. The end outcome may take longer than we would like to admit, but the blessing of drawing nearer to God as He prunes those dead aspects of our lives away is well worth it in the end!

Will you do the following things this week?

Pray about that “thing(s)” that is an area of struggle

Pray about who the Lord will bring to help hold you accountable (we need to be discerning about who we share things with)

Pray that you will let the Lord deal completely with the issue, even if it takes years!

John 17:17 (NKJV)

Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.