CALLED TO SERVE

Someone asked, how does one know that one has received a call from the Lord to full-time Christian ministry?

Christian A loves the idea of being in charge. It's very difficult for him not to be in control, because he knows he has so many good ideas that would increase God's glory if others would just listen. He feels so amazing when others praise his good works. Sure, he gets in a few arguments over how to accomplish certain goals, but it's not his fault if others don't understand the vision God has given him. He never shrinks from correcting those around him who he knows are in doctrinal error.

Christian B loves the idea of serving others. He's willing and able to serve under authority to accomplish his leaders' goals. He is not interested in receiving compliments, and does a few charitable works in intentional secrecy, looking to a heavenly and not earthly reward. When disputes arise he is quick to seek others' forgiveness for his own faults, and looks over hurts given to him. He answers doctrinal questions when they are raised to the best of his Biblical knowledge, but admits his limitations and is gentle with those who disagree.

God can use Christian A to accomplish a few things in leadership. Virtually all of them according to that person's natural gifts and abilities. Hopefully few young believers will get run over and shipwrecked in the process.

God can use Christian B to do just about anything, far beyond that person's talents and strengths. For the last will be first and the first shall be last. If you seek to serve others humbly, giving sacrificially of your time, talents, and treasury to see the needs of others met, leadership will find you. Guaranteed.

Probably the majority of clergy I have known do have a testimony similar to this: One day within a year or two after their conversion experience, they got a strong impression in their minds that God wanted them to go into full-time ministry. In their hearts it was something so strong they could not ignore it, and the believers and leaders around them confirmed it and encouraged them.

If you're not sure, don't worry about it! Just get busy doing those things you know are God's will for your life! As a wise person once said, it is much easier to change the direction of a moving vehicle than a stationary one. Your character, and in particular your willingness to serve and not be served, is much more important than the specific role you play in the kingdom.

When you're seeking God's will for your life, remember that it is the Father's responsibility to communicate clearly to his children so they can understand him. We don't speak to our natural children in riddles and puzzles, or withhold guidance that is crucial to them.

Also I think we expend a lot of unneeded worry on whether God is trying to deliver a supernatural message to us, when he has given us such specific instructions in the Bible, and able minds to help us apply them in the specific circumstances we find ourselves already.

If there is a burden on your heart to serve, to teach, to counsel, to win souls, to feed the hungry, to bind up the wounded, then go do it. Get started where you are now. Don't wait for a Holy Spirit lightning bolt. Don't wait until you've finished an M.Div. Feed his sheep.

With my earlier post I was trying to get across the idea that there are thousands of people, even Christians, running around everywhere trying to be leaders and build 'successful' ministries, but very few seeking to have the character of Christ formed within them. We have a desperate shortage of the latter. Be holy as he is holy, and leadership, guidance, positions, and all the rest will come so much more easily.

Doug Stringer said, "While men reach for thrones to establish their own kingdoms,
Jesus reached for a towel to wash men's feet."