A Stricter Service

Dear friends,

I’ve been considering the weight we carry in caring for those serving in ministry. Why does it feel heavy at times? While there are lots of potential reasons, one has come to the forefront of my mind for me in recent days. This applies to supporting people who largely fit within a smaller group whose authority, responsibility, and work come under the warning of James 3:1: Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that you who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.

Wise accompaniment with those in ministry means supporting those who serve under stricter judgment. As such, we ourselves as care providers embody an expression of teaching and fit within the scope of stricter judgment. When this role fits within one or both spheres of “what is mine” and “what is not mine,” heaviness can be felt in both the good and especially when either or both spheres experience shaking.

So how do we remain steady? By anchoring ourselves to Christ and His kingdom. Jesus gives those in ministry as gifts so that we will not be “tossed here and there by waves” and “grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ” (Ephesians 4:11, 15, NASB20).  Being given from Christ’s hand and growing into the head, we remain steady.

He shakes things in earth and heaven to remove all except that which cannot be shaken—His kingdom. Therefore, be encouraged, and “let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:26–29).

Grace to you,

Mark