Busy ministry can easily overtake core convictions. When we find ourselves on a perpetual treadmill of activity, it’s wise to pause to remember the early convictions upon which we’ve been building.
In this week’s growth points video, revisit with me two convictions which must be central to the life and ministry of a spiritual leader.
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1. The conviction to maintain personal integrity
We’ve all heard the stories of men whose integrity was sabotaged by their own neglect. Thinking they were doing great things by being busy for God, they became careless with their personal walk with God.
God did not create us as human doings, but as human beings. At it’s core, integrity is developed as we are real with God. This is a matter of personal commitment on our part to walk with the Lord, to walk in His Word, and to walk in honesty.
One of the fastest ways to destroy personal integrity is to ignore the command of Ephesians 6:6–7: “Not with eyeservice, an menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”
Our flesh craves recognition and honor. Thus we easily slip into the mode of doing ministry for the praise or admiration of others.
Pleasing men is a trap—a trap that will sabotage integrity every time.
Someone said, “A victory won at the expense of our integrity is no victory at all.” You may have a great success in ministry through the events of the next few weeks. But if, to gain that success, you neglect time in prayer and God’s Word, have a heart of anger or covetousness, and short your family, you are actually defeating yourself. Although you may look good in the moment of successful ministry, you’re losing the battle for personal integrity.
Don’t forget who you serve—Jesus Christ. Jesus repudiates status seeking. He’s not impressed with our inter-ministry status levels. He is looking to know what is our relationship with Him.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
As you work to build a ministry, maintain your walk of integrity.
2. The conviction to invest in your family
Don’t sacrifice your family on the altar of ministry. Make sure you spend some time today loving your kids and encouraging your spouse.
Years ago, a wise pastor cautioned me, “You can get another church, but you can’t get another bride. Take care of your bride.”
As you labor for the Lord, make sure you are truly reaching out and edifying your family. Children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), and your wife is a treasure (Ephesians 5:25). Love your family, spend time with them, invest in them.
Spending time with the Lord and investing in your family may not immediately increase your church attendance. But living out these core convictions do have everything in the world to do with ministry. Integrity and family life are foundational to a life that pleases the Lord Jesus.
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