Views: 183
There will be times in ministry or business when you want to quit, especially when your efforts get criticized and you become discouraged. You may even write a resignation letter. It happens to all of us.
But persistence is a crucial quality in ministry. Paul knew this because he had every reason to give up. In 2 Corinthians 4, he gave a list of reasons to be discouraged. Yet two times he said, “We do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV).
What was Paul’s clue to persevering in ministry that also can work in business? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul highlights seven effective principles we can apply to our lives to help us persevere in ministry. Let’s look at the first four commitments to make.
I will:
- Never forget God loves me no matter what.
“Since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV).
Remembering God’s love and mercy gives you the courage to navigate difficult ministry seasons. God knows everything you’re going through and desires to help you.
Paul recognized that God showed His grace to him. He wrote, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain;” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV).
When you know your ministry is given to you by God, you don’t need to prove yourself through your work. Plus, you get the energy you need to start over even after you fail.
- Keep a clear conscience.
“We have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV).
Paul acknowledged there was nothing for him to hide. He’s completely open and honest. To last in ministry, this is critical to persevere in ministry or business. Why? Because dishonesty won’t last. But when you commit to living a life of honesty, decency, and integrity in every area of your life, ministry, or business, your critics must resort to making things up about you to make an accusation.
- Maintain the right motivation.
“We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5 NKJV).
Your “why?” you do anything will often determine your “how long? you stay in ministry or business.” If you go into ministry with improper motivation, you’ll give up the moment you feel discouraged. Paul’s words are a reminder that preaching Christ is the right motivation, not preaching about us. Paul constantly demonstrated this in his ministry. In verses 7 through 11 of this chapter, he described some of his ministry’s hardships. Why did Paul keep going? He did it, for Jesus’ sake.
- Acknowledge my limitations.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV).
The quickest way to burn out in ministry or business is to try to be superhuman. But you’re not God, so you must recognize that you and your ministry or business have limitations. In fact, Paul compared us to jars of clay. Some jars are larger than others, but all of them are frail. All of them break easily.
But that’s the good news. It’s in the cracks of your life where God’s light shines through. Your most meaningful life message will come through your weakness, not your strength.
Recent Comments