MINISTER TO OTHERS, DON'T TRY TO GET THEM TO MINISTER TO YOU (JOHN 13, 14:13)
So many people in ministry today, especially those on radio and television, spend most of their time trying to get the people to minister to them, rather than ministering to the people. It may be an effort to get the people of God to send them more money, or it may be a pastor angrily accusing his board of not taking care of him, or it may be a subtle manipulation so others will praise or encourage us. As ministers it is not our responsibility to seek anything for ourselves, God will take care of all that. He'll supply our financial needs, He'll meet our emotional needs. It is our responsibility to die to self, and care for others.
Near the end of his life, General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, sent a message to his co-laborers that contained nothing except the word "others". That was the essence of his life. Live for others, not self. Seek the good of those God has sent you. Seek to bless, not be blessed, to love, not be loved, to care for, not be cared for, to minister to others, not have them minister to you.
Feed the flock of God with the pure Word of Life. Serve them in love. Give. Live for the sheep; if necessary, die for the sheep. You are a shepherd, and that's what shepherds do.
If you're in the ministry to get your own needs met, either repent, or quit. Jesus is looking for people with hearts for the sheep. He sees the people scattered, bruised, bleeding, dying, ravaged by the wolf, and His heart breaks for them, He longs to enfold them in His love.
As pastors and ministers, that is our calling, to enfold the sheep in the loving arms of Jesus. I have personally known Chuck and Kay Smith for twenty years, and they have both always led me past themselves and into the arms of Jesus.
Minister to others. Lead them into the arms of Christ, He is the loving, great, and beautiful Shepherd.
