We have different beliefs and values. One of the things we value the most is being
successful and spectacular. I grew up in China and lived there for 18 years. It is a
common thing to pursue fame and fortune in Chinese culture. For example, we make
judgments to people according to apartments, vehicles, and their annual income.
Materialism lasted over multiple generations. It is not only taking place in China but
also in many other countries. Pursuing a better life is not a bad thing, just like the fuel
filled in our engines and keep us going. However, it becomes toxic when it is the only
thing we value.
Ministry leaders and those who are in training are human as well. How we act
and talk will be affected by the context we are carrying. There is no exception. In our
unconsciousness, more or less, we tend to expect ourselves to do something great. 1
The hope we are having is to bring differences to the world and make it a little bit
better. There is no problem with dreaming big. However, it becomes a problem when
the big dream and ambition turned into our destination of ministry. Though we don’t
bring it up to the table all the time, we are facing the temptation. We want to be great.
We want to do great things, just like a hero.
Jesus has a fully divine nature and a fully human nature, never sinned; but he was
tempted as we do. Jesus was tempted by Satan three times. The third time, Satan
brought Jesus to a high mountain. Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms, and its
authority and splendor. To obtain fame and fortune, the only thing Jesus needed to do
was worship Satan. (Matthew 4) The temptation that ministers are facing is similar.
Sometimes, we want our names to be spectacular in the name of serving God.
What comes alongside fame and fortune is the feeling of control and the
sweetness of power. 2 When we are tempted, we are also challenged by losing that
sweetness. For example, we feel out of control, when church attendance numbers are decreasing.
We feel discouraged when the congregation’s spiritual life is not growing
significantly in the effort, we put in. We feel insecure when congregations don’t like
our sermons. We feel stressed when the church we are serving is facing a crisis. What
should we do in these kinds of situations?
The good news is that we have hope. First, Jesus, as the second Adam had
overcome temptation. For He set a new example of victory for us. He showed us that
it is possible to overcome the temptation of the spectacular. We can overcome it, not
with our willpower, but with His word and Holy Spirit. Second, the ministry we are
involved in is the Mission of God. The mission of God in Latin is Missio Dei. It
means that God is doing all things to unfold his plan. Sometimes, we misunderstand
that this mission is our mission. We tend to think about whether the ministry will be
succussed in accordance with how well we do. However, it is not about us. It is about
Him. (Proverbs 16:33) The kingdom is God’s kingdom. The mission is God’s mission.
God is actively letting His will be done; and letting His kingdom come. We are
invited to his mission to see how he works. It is ok for us to be human. It is ok for us
to have limitations. It is ok for us to not be perfect. Today, if we have tried our best
and trusted in God with all we do, it is enough. We don’t have to be great to save and
fix the world. Jesus Christ is the savior. Let Him do his work. May His name be
glorified alone.
Debbie Jin
Surprisingly good post. I really found your primary webpage and additionally wanted to suggest that have essentially enjoyed searching your website blog posts. Whatever the case I’ll always be subscribing to your entire supply and I hope you jot down ever again soon!
You are not right. I am assured. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will talk.
I’m impressed, I need to say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educational and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
I enjoy your blog posts, saved to my bookmarks!
Thanks so much for this, keep up the good work 🙂
I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also visit
this weblog on regular basis to obtain updated from most up-to-date
news.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this moreover taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article! I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
OK, you outline what is a big issue. But, can’t we develop more answers in the private sector?
Assume you are doing good linking to position you on the first pages of search engines.
Hey there I am so glad I found your webpage,
I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Digg for something
else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a marvelous post and a
all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I
have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic
jo.
Thanks for any other excellent article. Where
else could anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect approach of writing?
I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m
at the look for such info.
I do believe your audience could very well want a good deal more stories like this carry on the excellent hard work.
Our local network of agencies has found your research so helpful.
very good post, i certainly love this web site, keep on it
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!
Appreciation for taking the time to discuss this topic, I would love to discover more on this topic. If viable, as you gain expertise, would you object to updating the website with further information? It is tremendously beneficial for me.
Thanks for discussing the issues and covering them in a well written format.
I just couldnt leave your website before saying that I really enjoyed the useful information you offer to your visitors… Will be back often to check up on new stuff you post!
Greetings, have tried to subscribe to this websites rss feed but I am having a bit of a problem. Can anyone kindly tell me what to do?’
I’m not sure why but this weblog is loading very slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable familiarity
concerning unexpected emotions.
Great article, just what I needed.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that.|
However, it is virtually all done with tongues rooted solidly in cheeks, and everyone has absolutely nothing but absolutely love for his or her friendly neighborhood scapegoat. The truth is, he is not just a pushover. He is basically that special variety of person strong enough to take all of that good natured ribbing for exactly what it is.
I wish I could craft such articles as this. Thank you very much.
whoah this weblog is wonderful i like reading your articles. Keep up the good paintings! You already know, many people are looking around for this information, you can help them greatly.
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out
loads. I hope to give a contribution & help different customers like its
aided me. Great job.
I am glad to be one of the visitors on this great site (:, appreciate it for putting up.
Great post, keep up the good work, I hope you don’t mind but I’ve added on my blog roll.