Have you ever wanted to quit the ministry? I say this to both the vocational and lay minister. The past couple of years have seen an alarming number of Pastors and missionaries leave the field … but also communities are dotted with people who once served weekly who now sit on the sidelines.
What happened? Why does our serving flame blow out? How can we run a marathon in ministry and not just a sprint? How can we avoid being an evangelist at 18 but a jaded cynic at 80?
Well in 2 Corinthians 4:1, the Apostle Paul says “we don’t quit.” Certainly Paul had reasons to quit. He had been beaten up, slandered, and belittled by many. And not just Paul. He says “WE don’t quit” in part referring to his traveling mates (Timothy, Titus, etc.) but also in reference to all clear thinking Christians.
How can we have a “we don’t quit” kind of ministry? Well, Paul develops this idea over a long section of Scripture (one we will be looking at over a number of weeks ahead at Wildwood), but he begins his explanation in 4:1-6 by clarifying his understanding of the ministry.
The glory of Paul’s gospel did not fade … and neither did His Savior. Paul’s privilege was to point people to Jesus. It is our privilege as well. With an unfading glory and a steadfast Savior, we remain faithful in His service.
This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church we will look at 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 in part 4 of our “Mission: Brief” sermon series. Hope you can make it to our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service. Let’s run this marathon together to the glory of God!