Numbness

Ministry is a costly field, in consideration of vocation. It has the appearance of a holy and sanctified work, but an issue arises when we concede that the work is done by unholy and unrighteousness people. To work and to be compensated for labors involving church administration, teaching, discipleship, counseling, etc., is a difficulty only when it causes us to become numb to its realities. Ministers have the constant battle of whether to fall into the trap of lethargy or spiritual discipline. They are judged unintentionally by their outward appearance; therefore, they must maintain an edifying image before their congregation. When a minister is not living and breathing, being sustained, and rejoicing in Christ and the Holy Scriptures, he can quickly and softly deviate from honesty. It causes ministry to lose foundation. Any edifice constructed on this crumbling foundation will also become weak and falter. The flock of which he is the shepherd will become confused and will break away. It is so enticing to maintain a good front while one is dying on the inside. This is a man's livelihood and his family's livelihood, after all. But he must acknowledge that he answers to a mighty and Holy God, and he is doing God's work. He has to maintain his relationship with the Lord for his own sake, for his family's sake, for his career's sake, for his congregation's sake, but most importantly, for Christ's sake.