Being Holy, Being Human

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Our office … subjects us to great burdens and labors, dangers and temptations, with little reward or gratitude from the world. But Christ himself will be our reward if we labor faithfully.
Martin Luther

The Christian ministry is the worst of all trades, but the best of all professions.
John Newton

A thousand stories start with the good news/bad news line. One reason these are so common is that they match life. Let's face it, life seldom comes up all roses.

One of my favorite comic strips has Charlie Brown telling Lucy the universal axiom, "Life has its ups and downs." Lucy is seen screaming in the last box, "I don't want downs. I want ups, ups, and more ups." This sounds a lot like Christian TV show testimonies — "and they came to Jesus and they all lived happily ever after." Unfortunately, life in the ministry isn't like that. It's a mixed bag, pleasure mingled with pain.

Like the holy/human tension, the love/hate relationship most ministers have with ministry is another tension that deserves to be faced honestly. Let's focus first on the privileges of ministry.

I recently spoke at a PTA meeting, and afterward two different individuals came up to tell me they had met Christ in YFC meetings thirty years earlier when I was leading a club in their community. Here were two people I didn't really know, but who had been influenced at least in part by me to make life's most important decision. I had made a positive impact in their lives, but I didn't even hear about it until thirty years later.

It was one of those pleasant surprises that confirms the value of ministry and reminds me that there's truly no more worthwhile or life-changing vocation. People who meet Christ or learn to know him better under our care are ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.