Have you ever felt like the only way you’ll be compensated for your work is if people see what you do?
I have.
That’s why today I want to share a personal testimony and concern.
This past weekend I was invited to speak with a church group in San Cristobal.
We discussed the 3 things the first church did (Acts 2:38):
- People repented – changed their hearts and lives
- People were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins
- People were Filled with the Holy Spirit.
Upon finishing we gave an invitation for people to make commitments to do these things.
The Holy Spirit moved and we saw God change lives in a powerful way.
One older lady not only received the Holy Spirit but she was visibly healed of a neck condition. She was so excited because she would now be able to cancel her scheduled neck surgery.
As we were leaving she came up to me and exclaimed,
“God blessed me so much and now I want to bless you!”
This elderly lady gave me a neatly folded bill in pesos and I prayed for God to bless her again.
I assumed she gave me a small amount but when I later unfolded the money it was a larger amount.
I was both happy and concerned…
Happy because I had extra money to pay for gas, but sad because of the following reason:
Here in Mexico (and where you live also), ministers pray for people and when they are blessed the people give them money in return.
Such actions are sometimes abused because ministers will say,
“give God (me) a financial offering and He’ll (I’ll) do a miracle in your life”.
Some well-meaning men of God have fallen into this pressure to perform trap. Having a successful ministry with a nice title is a big problem here. People do a lot for God and they are elevated to the status of Mega Pastor, Super Apostle, Faith Healer, etc.
That prompts me to question,
“Will God only supply my financial needs if people see miracles and lives are changed?”
“What if nothing happens after I pray for someone to be healed? Will they still give me an offering?”
Probably not.
I want to guard my heart against be a super-man (of God). I’m not the hero, Jesus Christ is.
As ministers we need to make sure people don’t put us on a pedestal and we especially need to make sure we’re not depending on being monetarily compensated for doing things we should be doing purely out of love for God or for people.
I confess that as a missionary I sometimes feel the need to prove my worth.
I’m expected to give reports and show pictures of what we’re doing on the foreign field because people partner with us.
Don’t get me wrong, I should give reports. That’s why I send out regular email updates.
However, the danger is that of performing.
Do I need to do great acts for God or show nice ministry photos to prove I’m worthy of receiving donations?
Or is simply being faithful to obey what God has called us to do enough?
God knows our hearts and motives.
Because some people already have this super spiritual concept of missionaries, would you allow me to set the record straight…
We are all God’s servants and no one is a better Christian because of his giftings, works or ministry title.
We are all disciples who are expected to make disciples for Christ. Some of us are called to go and some are called to send. Everyone is called to be obedient to the Great commission through the giving of our time, finances and life. Although we may be compensated here on earth, we should all strive to build up eternal rewards in heaven.
Here’s my prayer:
Lord, help me not to embellish the ministry or calling you’ve given me and not to take advantage of others. Help me not to succumb to the pressures of performing or become prideful. I want to be obedient to you and always give the glory to you.
Thank you for reading this message. I don’t want to be a lone ranger or super star. We’re a team and you are so important to God’s Kingdom.
Thank you for your partnership in sharing the good news to the nations.
I would love to hear your thoughts on ministers who are pressured to perform in the comment section below.