“Hey
Brother, I was wondering if you would allow me to help out in Junior Church.”
“Nope, don’t
need you. It’s my ministry.”
It is
amazing that the day of salvation is a day of thanksgiving and gratitude. After
a while that gentle tug from God comes along and the idea of service pops up –
wherever there is a need. Service starts out with nerves and concern, but after
some time it becomes easier. Then one day without realizing it, it has become
“my ministry.” Pride sneaks in and the ministry becomes a personal kingdom. The
ministry is no longer about the people, but about self.
In this case
the respect of person is self. Self is on the pedestal. Self is in charge. Self
doesn’t need anyone’s help. But if the ministerial leader’s heart is right, he/she
will be willing to train someone to take over the ministry. God will open up
other doors. If his/her heart is tender, the spiritual well-being of his/her
ministry come first. He/she will let others play in his/her sandbox.
James says
that if we have respect of persons, whether self or others, we commit sin. We
are convicted by the Word of God as transgressors.
A little
self-evaluation is in order. How am I treating people? Is self last or is self
first. Am I worried about my own little kingdom? Or do I kick people out of my
sandbox.
“If ye fulfil the royal law according
to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if
ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as
transgressors.” James 2:8-9.
© copyright 2016 Kevin T Boekhoff
https://tugsandnudges.wordpress.com/2016/01/19/my-sandbox/
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