I've talked a lot about wanting my own ministry. I've talked a lot about wanting to serve God all my life, but have my actions reflected that sort of commitment? What does my life look like at the moment? It looks pretty mundane, pretty normal as a city dweller. I work 8:30am to 6:30pm, five days a week, then on the weekends, I hit the gym, I attend fellowship, catch up with brothers, and attend church, and catch up with more people. During the week, sometimes I want to catch up with people too. That all seems pretty normal, but the catching up and fellowship takes up a lot of time, and eats into my rest and my time with God. I don't sleep on time on Saturdays because I've been treating it as a free day away from the work schedule, but that affects the rest of my week. I try to hang out with too many friends on the weekend, and that uses up too much energy. As a result, I'm merely hanging on when it comes to growing, learning, and serving. That's not what I want at all. That's not the level of commitment I need to reach the goal that I am running this race for. I'm not running this marathon simply to keep off the bus, I am running it to win. So the longer I serve Him, the more I understand what Paul is talking about through his own life of ministry.
"Know you not that they who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. And every man that strives for self control is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not with uncertainty; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: But I roughly treat my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified." - 1 Cor 9:24-27 (KJV)
This season, God has been speaking to me a lot about commitment. I've picked up my cross, but am I really carrying it with every ounce of energy I have, or am I merely dragging it from one corner? Am I making the sacrifices needed to get to where God wants me in the short time that I have? Am I taking every step to ensure victory? It's called a partnership for a reason. Am I walking this 3-legged race, or am I the one standing still and yet demanding to win the race?
I need to stay focused, stay committed. And truly have the faith and the character to do His work.
"Whatever you might do, work from the soul, as to the Lord.." - Col 3:23a (BLB)
So pray for me, brothers and sisters, that I may work for the victory of the Lord and not just be tagging along, that I may grow in this work to the point where I can lead a successful ministry. For I know I am called to disciple, to teach diligently that others may come to know God through healing, restoration, and walking with me as I walk with God, as I follow the footsteps of Jesus.
In Christ,
James
