For the glory of the Gospel

The summer here at SWO was another amazing time of ministry and mission.  We have seen the hand of God in all that we have done, and the most humbling is how often He works for His glory in spite of our futile effort.  I think that it is just natural to have a “pay God back” mentality when it comes to ministry.  I am the most guilty of this and I see it play out in the way I will run myself ragged and over work my staff. 

What a blessing it is to be able to work for the glory of the Gospel and to be a part of God’s eternal work.  I am trying to unpack what God has taught me this summer and i think that there is going to be a lot of “unpacking” over the next couple of months.  But for now, here are a couple of thoughts:

Obedience is a gift.  To be able to respond to Christ in obedience is a gift that we cannot comprehend.  And yet I think we see it as an obligation more than as a gift.  We obey as a rule, rather than an honor and privilege.  If we cannot ever pay God back, then why would we even try?  I am blessed to be able to obey my Lord.

And the second thing flows from the first.  I often hear comments that express appreciation to us for the work “we” are doing here.  When in fact, we are just obeying, and God works.  It is all about Him.  But I find that the work of ministry that God does through us is often more a work IN my heart than out of it.  In other words, I receive more than I give.  If you have ever been obedient to the Lord in anything, you  know what I mean. 

In a word, ministry work is more about God’s work in our own hearts than it is about our work FOR the Lord. 

Thanks to all who came, and all who supported.
brody