There’s no denying that the ugly side of Christian ministry exists. There is every opportunity for hurt, annoyance, and even disillusionment. But the ‘Jesus perspective’ to life can make all the difference. Discover!
Have you ever become disheartened by the things done in the name of Christian Ministry? There is an ugly side to Christian Ministry, and we all know it, don’t we? Corruption, power struggles, manipulative tactics, and egotism can all lead to feelings of disillusionment. Rumour, character assassination, and malice have also destroyed lives.
Can envy and rivalry drive people in Ministry?
There is an ugly side to Christian Ministry, and we all know it, don’t we?
Paul experienced the ugly side of the ministry. Paul was a victim of the self-ambitious motivations of those on the preaching circuit (v17). Some were proclaiming Christ, but their true intention was to harm Paul.
Can envy and rivalry drive people in the ministry? Let’s face it! People do have mixed motives. Only some people are driven by passion or pastoral purpose.
Paul’s Response
What do you do when betrayed, wounded, or worse, victimised? It is so easy to become disillusioned and quit. Paul experienced the ugliness of ministry. However, he viewed these self-ambitious endeavours as far-reaching missionary projects.
Instead of wallowing in bitterness, anger, and hatred, he rejoiced at the proclamation of Christ. He was happy that “Christ was preached”, whether in truth or pretence (v18).
Why do we go through the pain and hurt?
It is easy to get into a mudslinging fest when you spot false motives, release your pain through an outburst of rage, and spend the rest of your life grumpy. Unfortunately, even good-hearted people have fallen for it.
We experience anger because we are emotionally invested. But the pain and rage are also due to the angst over misplaced popularity, missed opportunities, and lost privileges.
A senior colleague once told me,” there is only a thin line that divides serving God and serving yourself.” We must examine our hearts to determine whether we serve the cause of Christ and seek His glory in what we do.
A Jesus perspective on life
Some are motivated by self-interest, politics, and propaganda. But you can genuinely rejoice in ministry if you remain faithful to your calling. You can joyfully serve the cause of Christ regardless of false motives, pretences, and self-interests.
Paul shows us how we can be free and enjoy serving the Lord in every way. There’s no denying that the ugly side of Christian ministry exists. We come across the good, bad, and ugly. There is every reason to be hurt, annoyed, and even disillusioned. But the ‘Jesus perspective’ to life can make all the difference.
The joy of serving the Lord
Paul shows us how we can be free and enjoy serving the Lord in every way. Paul refused to see people, places, and things from a hurt perspective. He refused to give up on the “Jesus perspective.”
As a result, he responded very differently to envy and rivalry. God’s grace and peace are made available for us. You can stay authentic and serve the Lord joyfully and faithfully!
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that, I rejoice – Philippians 1:18
Ready to experience your Aha Moment?
1) Why do I get hurt when I see false motives in ministry?
2) How do I guard myself against serving self-interests while serving the cause of Christ?
3) How do I cherish the ‘Jesus-perspective’ and apply it to life?
