Reflection at the Year's End

The new year usually triggers a time of reflection for people and businesses.  We put metrics in place to track progress, goals on paper for our families and marriages, amongst other evaluative tools in our lives and workplace.  And this holds true in ministry.

A person once made a comment to me that they didn't often think about my spiritual health, nor pray for it, because missionaries (pastors, elders, deacons, full-time ministry personnel) must have a direct line to God, or a more intimate walk.  But the truth of the matter is, we struggle along day to day with everybody else, battling sin to live that Victorious life in Christ Jesus!

But we have more time for that spiritual stuff, right?  Mostly true.  But polls show the disconnect between full-time ministry and prayer life.  Most of us would be ashamed to say out loud how much time we really spend in prayer each day.

I was encouraged today to watch this video clip of Jeff Vanderstelt.  Those of us in full-time ministry must not condemn ourselves for what didn't get accomplished in our ministries, nor should anyone else.  But rather recognize that even in our weakness, God is glorified, when we repent of our rebellion and exchange his righteousness for our unrighteousness.  I think you'll be encouraged too.