Page 17 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Heart of Ministry 17

The Necessity
An obedient heart is essential for maintaining an aggressive attitude toward
conquering sin. In his letter to the Romans, Paul reminds the church that it is
completely unworthy of the righteousness in which it stands. We have been given
grace—a gift of perfect righteousness only earned by Christ. Jesus received what
we deserved while we received what only He deserved.
Failing to understand this will lead to numerous errors. Among them is a
false sense of one’s own righteousness. Church history is littered with periods
of emphasis on legalism. Nearly every group seems to pass through periods of
failing to understand the nature and purpose of its behavioral choices. When we
forget our own unworthiness, we begin to see our choices to do right as evidence
of personal superiority. The result is often a judgmental approach toward others
and a diminished interest in their salvation. Without an honoring heart, we are
quick to travel the road of self-righteousness. It is a journey that alienates us from
the true purposes of God and leaves us with no ability to portray His nature.
5 How does seeing For the minister, obedience is the true, essential act of worship. Our obedience
obedience as worship affect does not make us more worthy of God or His grace. Such worthiness is out
your daily choices? of reach. But we demonstrate our awareness of what we have been given by
pursuing a righteousness that will bring glory to our Savior.
The Development
Obedience is cultivated through various means; one is the willingness to
be transparent before others. Occasionally a minister feels pressured to appear
invincible or beyond daily struggle. However, if we are not honest with ourselves
and with God, we can limit our own ability to be honest about our weaknesses
and neglect the help God desires to gives us. Transparency with God is most
effective as a daily habit. Honest confession of failures and accompanying
repentance reinforces our need of God.
In addition to transparency with God, we must be transparent with ourselves
concerning our deepest desires and motives. Consistent reflection on that
which drives us will help us guard against self-serving ideals that can replace
the purposes of God. Journaling or an accountability relationship with another
minister can aid in protecting us from developing defeating desires.
In addition to transparency should be the commitment to integrity. A minister
must decide to live by what is right. It has been said that integrity is who you are
in the dark. Such a definition points to the necessary choice to do what is right
when no one other than yourself and God are looking.
Finally, there is no separating obedience from love. Love is the greatest
command our Creator has placed before us. By choosing to love and growing in
love, we will nourish an obedient heart. Indeed, the premier way to show our love
for God is by obeying His command to love others.

A Thankful Heart

The Essence
Though we have addressed several fundamental characteristics that are
evidence of a right heart for ministry, we must not fail to mention the need to
possess and nurture a thankful heart. We have seen how Saul’s failure to honor
and obey cost him dearly with the God who had elevated him to the position
of king over all of Israel. But the loss touched more than his life. The kingdom