We are called to serve—Just because we are serving under the leadership of our local pastors, we must understand that we are servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. The scripture tells us whatsoever we do we must do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men (Colossians 3:23).
Jesus spoke in Matthew 23:11, saying that he who is greatest among you should be your servant. We must be willing to serve and flourish where we are and stop becoming nomads— wandering, looking for a mic to speak in or a leadership position that we know we’re not ready for.
How can we have what is our own if we’re not faithful in that which is another man’s? Who shall give you what is yours? (Luke 16:12) King Saul wanted to kill David and he still served until it was time for him to become King of Israel.
Recognition or reward
The choice is ours to consider which is important, our notoriety or service unto God.
For years now, on social media you see people putting their good deeds and acts on display for others to see. We know—as followers of Christ—we should not sound a trumpet (meaning tooting our own horn) for doing good deeds for the glory of men, because if we do we already have our reward (Matthew 6:2).
To be honest there are a lot, not all, but a lot of men and women of God that take high positions in church for the wrong reasons, and God’s spirit is not in them or their ministry. Some want to lead with a dominant or controlling spirit which is a big no-no when leading God’s sheep (1 Peter 5:2-3).
No vision, no ministry
Now this is where the rubber meets the road, because at this stage, as a born-again believer, you should know what your gifts and callings are, especially if you hold the title of a minister.
We, as God’s associates, must know the vision that God has given us in order to operate in our gifts and callings effectively. “No vision the people will perish,” meaning you’ll just be on earth existing and not reaching your full potential, fulfilling your God given purpose on earth.
Remember even Satan knows his purpose on earth, so why not you (John 10:10).
Make sure you write down your vision because your vision is your business plan for those who will run with it (Habakkuk 2:2).
Who will be your Jonathan
Remember that Jonathan was not just David’s armor bearer. He also was a loyal friend, not to mention King Saul’s eldest son. He was also knit to the soul of David and loved him as his own soul (1 Samuel 18:1). Now listen, your Jonathan can be right under your nose, but I wouldn’t look for one in the ministry where you serve, because it might cause conflict between you and your senior pastor.
Understand that David did not have to look because the love and unity between him and Jonathan was strong.
Somebody has to be so in tune with you that your vision becomes their vision and they are excited and elated about where you are going so that there’s no competition, just focus on the vision coming to pass.
To him whom much is given, much is required
I decided to use my last point to let you know that I’ve been serving as an associate minister under two pastors for close to 20 years so far, with two seminary degrees.
I am a praise and worship leader at the church where I attend and I still believe there’s more I can do, because I’m called for more than just making my local church look good. I serve others outside the four walls of the church also and this is what it means to be God’s Associate, Not Man’s!
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