For the one who struggles with comparison within ministry.
Jesus’ last words here on earth were “Go and make disciples,” not “Go and make a big ministry.” Today’s Christian industry has gotten good at worshiping ministry and not worshiping Jesus. Within the spaces of ministry, if you let comparison creep in and keep that door open long enough, you will see anger, bitterness, and jealousy begin to creep in. They can’t reach the people that YOU can. They can’t love the people YOU encounter. They cannot disciple those whose paths YOU cross. God has positioned YOU there, for such a time as this. God didn’t call you to run their race, HE called you to run yours. Keep your eyes fixed on your race and be faithful with the sheep that God has called you to shepherd. It’s a dangerous place to get when you begin to compare within ministry because you are seeking a glory for your own name and renown and not that of Jesus. Our focus must always be on preaching the Gospel, calling those who are lost to repent and to disciple those to follow Jesus faithfully. We cannot save anyone, only Jesus can. We just get to be used as a vessel. Praise God that He is using you to reach those that I cannot. It’s all about Jesus and it always will be. That other church or ministry isn’t your competition, rather it’s your partner in this ticking time clock of bringing as many people onto a rescue float in a world that is sinking fast. The day that I don’t celebrate what God is doing in your ministry, is the day that I need to get out of the one Jesus has called me to. “The labor is great and the workers are few.” Lord raise up a harvest who will deny themselves, follow you, and celebrate those who are doing the same. If it’s a win for the kingdom of heaven, then it’s a win for me, every single time.
