July 23, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 1 Peter 5:5–8
OURS IS A DAY OF SUPERFICIALITY. If you can fake it, you're often admired as being clever, not criticized for being phony.
OURS IS A DAY OF SUPERFICIALITY. If you can fake it, you're often admired
as being clever, not criticized for being phony. Mediocrity can mark the
ministry just as overtly as it marks many of those who work for the
government and are employed in industry. I've also noticed that staying
longer in the same place can only perpetuate the problem. People tend to
let seniority excuse the erosion of excellence.
The ministry, unfortunately, is no exception. People trust you to be
diligent, to stay spiritually sensitive, to do your homework, to think
creatively, to remain fresh, innovative, excited about your calling, and
pure in motive. That's why I urge all who are in this sacred work to pay
attention to the reality of danger:
All of you, dress yourselves in humility, for "God opposes the proud but
gives grace to the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty power of
God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your
worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around
like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 PETER 5:5–8
The painful truth is that we as ministers can be easily indifferent to the
strategies of the devil. His traps are subtle. Pride. Envy. Ambition. Lust.
The need for affirmation. Ours is a dangerous calling! The ease with which
we can veil our true selves and manage our outward appearances leaves us
even more vulnerable to Satan's diabolical attacks.
If you're among the ranks of those called to serve the body of Christ, stay
alert to the dangers. Humble yourself under His mighty power. If you love
someone who serves Christ in this work, be fervent in prayer for that
person's spiritual protection.