Monday, June 16, 2008

Saving ourselves

"The only way to prevent ministry from becoming an idol is to find our identity in Jesus rather than in the church."

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

do you find this to be true in preaching? is it really easy for preachers to get caught up in the work of what they are trying to do?

12:02 PM, June 16, 2008  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Yes, I think it is easy for preachers to get caught up in the work.

I find it to be true that sin goes deeper than we usually think about. I wouldn't say it as strongly s Darryl does, but I can relate to the idea of sinfully tying self-worth to ministry success.

On the other hand, I don't think it's always sinful to be motivated by an inner desire--what Jeremiah called fire in the bones (Jer 20:9) and Paul called "compulsion" (1 Cor. 9:16).

I find it helpful to tell myself that God comes before everything, but that family comes before ministry. Of course, that may simply shift the idolatry from ministry to family...

8:12 AM, June 17, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

thanks for answering my questions.

peace to you

7:28 PM, June 17, 2008  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

You're welcome. Thanks for asking. Peace.

12:01 PM, June 18, 2008  

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