Post 1 of 2: Link to Post 2 at end
Why do Christ’s followers or churches become “cold” in concern and ministry with others? Chambers explains how this process occurs in our lives. These quotes are shared from an online devotional https://utmost.org for the purpose of discussion, and reflection.
The devotional post’s link is sourced in the first quote’s reference for personal reflection. Scripture passages are from Berean Standard Bible online https://biblehub.com/bsb . I include a reference to attachment styles in relationships. The Attachment Project site has free online attachment style quiz and excellent explanations of each style.
Apart from God’s Holy Spirit and presence in our lives, our hearts become barren. This image presents a cold, wet, murky, and somewhat desolate place.
Reason 1: Moving Ahead of God in service.
Beware of getting ahead of God by your very desire to do His will.
We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, becoming so burdened with people and problems that we don’t worship God, and we fail to intercede.
https://utmost.org/helpful-or-heartless-toward-others/ accessed 4/1/24
There are needs in our communities for ministry. Numerous opportunities to teach, preach, serve in various ways. Our personality type, ministry calling, earlier life experiences, and current life situation uniquely equips us to minister to others. But not every opportunity is for one person!
A.I. man considers God’s call on his life as the new day begins.
Call to Ministry
Each situation needs prayer, discernment, and preparation. God calls all believers to His service and ministry. This concept is often referred to a “call” to ministry. Got Questions explains:
In the most basic sense, all Christians are called to ministry. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) applies to all believers. Too, every Christian is part of the Body of Christ. Fulfilling one’s role as part of the Body – no matter what that role is – means ministering to others.
Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/call-to-ministry.html
Got questions provides some helpful insights into discerning your call in the article cited.
The danger comes when a person commits without prayer and seeking God’s guidance and presence. A personal example: God has graciously gifted me with the ability to teach and explain His Word. There are churches in the area needing pulpit supply/ or a pastor. It’s vital that I am sensitive to God and the Holy Spirit’s leading. Likewise, churches need to be sensitive and obedient with Holy Spirit’s lead.
Pulpit with God’s Word for God’s People. Stock Image Canva Pro.
My calling/task is to proclaim God’s Word and encourage/challenge believers to faithfully seek and serve God. Speaking at a church doesn’t mean God is calling me to be this particular church’s pastor. I seek His guidance and encourage churches to be discerning. This is especially important when they “like” me or find me to be comforting. Ministry is about serving God, His people, and people-not a title, role, or position! God and churches call men to serve as pastor–not the man deciding himself to a be a “pastor”.
Problem with deciding to be pastor through self-desire and efforts:
When does this go wrong? Often, when a supply preacher starts to consider himself as “pastor” and acts outside of the role as expected. Another issue occurs when the church consistently invites various speakers to see whom they “like” best. Often the guest speakers who feels familiar or helps people to feel “comfortable” are preferred. Is it wrong to comfort people with God’s Word? It all depends on the circumstances and how God is working through the life of the congregation.
The heart of the issue is discernment and obedience to Holy Spirit on both the speaker and the church! When people are hurting, broken, or grieving loss then comfort is appropriate. But if the situation is stagnant, or declining, it is crucial to provide encouragement and challenge. The members face challenges and press ahead in faith and obedience. If not, the church will die. How does a supply preacher discern the proper application and teaching? He depends upon Holy Spirit to guide him to the right biblical texts and messages to encourage and challenge!
Personal Update: After two years of providing fill in speaking and working through the discernment process, I am moving toward chaplain service. This role better fits my personality, experience, and ministry objectives.
Healing the Disconnect: He is the Vine
Chambers invites us to consider these questions about our daily life:
Do crises which affect us or others in our home, business, country, or elsewhere, seem to be crushing in on us?
Are we being pushed out of the presence of God and left with no time for worship?
If so, we must put a stop to such distractions and get into such a living relationship with God that our relationship with others is maintained through the work of intercession, where God works His miracles.
Source: https://utmost.org/updated/helpful-or-heartless-toward-others/
Jesus is the Vine and we are His branches! John 15.
Jesus teaches us in John 15 that He is the vine and we are the branches. We teach, serve, and minister through God’s Presence in our lives! His grace purifies (makes us clean) then we abide in Him!
https://biblehub.com/bsb/john/15.htm (entire chapter)
Jesus the True Vine
(Isaiah 27:1–13)
1“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. 2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.
God works through us! He is the Source–not our human tendencies, energies, etc. When we allow events, circumstances, or people to disrupt our dependence on Him, we become vulnerable to burn out.
The flowers begin to grow and blossom in the barren land as God sends rain and sunlight on the seeds. May His grace and love warm your soul! A.I Image-Night Cafe Studio by author.
Jesus’ Example
Jesus was constantly in motion, traveling and ministering! Yet, He doesn’t get burned out or miss His Father’s guidance. I explain this in post below:
Reason 2: Not in God’s presence/worship
What is true worship? We worship God in spirit and truth! If we try to serve or teach apart from His Word, Truth, and Holy Spirit then we separate from His “vine.” All Ministry flows from and through our relationship in God. How do we relate to God? Our relationship expresses itself through our worship. Got Questions summarizes these elements: Emphasis mine
Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from the heart and the way God has designed.
Worship can include praying, reading God’s Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others.
It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person are in the right place. . .
True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word.
https://www.gotquestions.org/true-worship.html accessed 4/4/24
If we’re not walking with God in true worship, then we’re living according to our own understanding and limited resources. Chambers explains what happens when a burden comes to us in this state:
If a burden and its resulting pressure come upon us while we are not in an attitude of worship, it will only produce a hardness toward God and despair in our own souls.
https://utmost.org/helpful-or-heartless-toward-others accessed 4/1/24
Have you ever observed or noticed this “hardness toward God and despair” in others? Perhaps this is why that people are cold, distant, and uncaring. When we get hurt, disappointed, and or taken advantage of this a natural human response.
May we blossom forth for His glory and honor! As He nourishes us, so we reflect His glory and light to others! A.I. created by author.
Post 2
Words of Grace & Hope 