Serve Willingly
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
(Colossians 3:23–24)
Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; not yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2–3 NASB)
I find at least three vital attitudes set forth in the verses you just read. Each attitude begins with a negative, followed by the positive side.
- Not under compulsion . . . but voluntarily, according to the will of God
- Not for gain . . . but with eagerness
- Nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge . . . but proving to be examples to the flock.
Paul writes in his swan song that God’s messengers are to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2 NASB)—when we feel like it and when we don’t . . . when the church is growing as well as when it’s not.
One of the things that intensifies burnout in ministry is a lack of willingness. And willingness depends on resting when we should so we can give it our all when we must. That’s why, each time I speak to them, I encourage ministers to take a day off every week—when possible, a day and a half or two days. Why? To replenish the soul, to refresh the spirit. Furthermore, it is also imperative to take sufficient vacation time, to get away. By doing so, we are better able to do our work willingly and “not under compulsion.”
Let me add one final comment here . . . for the flock of God. Be tolerant with your pastor. A better word is patient. Try your best not to be too demanding or set your expectations too high. Multiply your own requests by however many there are in your church, and you’ll have some idea of what the shepherd of the flock must live with. Be very understanding. Remember, if you write a letter that will bring his spirit down, it could wound him for weeks. Sometimes a confrontation is necessary. But even then, be kind. Be tactful. Pray for him! Encourage him! When you do, you’ll find him all the more willing to serve his Lord among you.
Taken from Hope Again by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1996 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com
