THE PATHWAY TO POWER

            

The Calvary Road is the pathway to power. We have heard the old cliche, “No pain, no gain,” as concerning exercise, but it is true of spiritual advancement, as well. In the flesh, Paul might have boasted of his accomplishments, but he knew that it was the power of Christ working though an earthen vessel that was to be credited.  The Apostle that preached grace for salvation from sin knew grace was just as needful for strength in service.  Humbling owning our weaknesses and dying to our self-sufficiency in brokenness, we can know the power of Christ in ministry. Nothing more is needed and nothing less will enable us to do Gospel work.

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #33

Play to your strengths and staff for your weaknesses. 

What kind of football team do you think you would have where your quarterback was shifted to the offensive line, your lineman was placed at quarterback, and your punter at running back?  A losing team!  Yet, we often try to line up as pastors at positions for which we are not suited. Now, we can try to learn and grow in those skills where we are maybe a 2 on a 10 point competency scale. We might after time and much effort get to a 4 or even a 5. If your goal is mediocrity, go for it!  But, would it not be better to focus on areas where we are in the 7-8 range and seek to move those to 9 or 10?

Yet, those areas of weakness may well be essential areas of ministry.  Do not neglect them. Recruit some players for your team who have those strengths. It may be vocational staff or it could be lay persons capable of doing those tasks. We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. A winning team plays to their strengths and is constantly searching for new players who can be added in other areas. 

Pastor, you are the quarterback, make sure the whole team knows the play, follows your direction, and advances the ball down the field together!