The Frustrations of Life

Where are you in your spiritual walk? Are you where you want or think you should be? Do you long for the early days of salvation when your faith was vibrant and you were ready to tackle the world? Many of us find ourselves in this position. We started our spiritual walk strong and on fire, burning with passion. Now we find ourselves weak and fledgling under the pressures of life. We wonder where all of the power has gone. Some may find ourselves haunted instead of encouraged, frustrated instead of motivated, and pressured to perform instead of grace to live as we look to the promises of God. Day after day you may find yourself wondering, “What am I doing wrong.”

If you hear the same teaching I have been exposed to over the years you may hear all types of processes that are guaranteed to bring you victory, a sort of scientific model of God. You know, A+B=C. Maybe you will recognize it this way. When you tithe, God will open up the windows of blessing and pour out something to large to receive. That something could be a new car, job, raise, house….you fill in the blank. Or, perhaps you have heard that you should praise your way into victory. Many will cite Joshua’s victory at Jericho as the proof text for such advice. Maybe you have heard that fasting is the key to you overcoming life’s challenges because we know that some things only come out with “prayer and fasting.”

On the surface, these things are right and true and should be practiced for those that desire to grow in the spirit. Yet, I think many have missed the mark in the teaching and application of such spiritual practices. I have encountered too many people who have followed these spiritual prescriptions for well being and find themselves disillusioned when they don’t see the results they were looking for. There are numerous problems with the teaching and the interpretation.

One, God is not science. This is not to say that God is anti-science, but to clearly state that He is not a science. If we remember that God is a living being with free will, intuition, and sovereignty over everything we can not hold to the formula teaching we are so accustom to. God’s hand can not be forced. Not even by quoting scripture. A+B does not always = C. God says, “His ways are not our ways, his thoughts not our thoughts.” With God anything is possible.

Many of us think we are better than the Pharisees of Christ day. We think that because we have read the account that we are not subject to the same mistakes. This is not true. We are prone to the same misconceptions as they were. Remember, nothing has seized you except that which is common to man. The Pharisees were often shocked and stunned by Christ’s responses to their questions. They had a formula and an expected answer already figured out. Yet, Christ showed them and us a different way. The same happens today. We think when we give Christ is going to shower us with millions. Not always the case. The promise is a “blessing,” to what end only God knows. When we seek God’s answers to life’s questions, leave room for Him to answer any way He desires.

Second, it is about relationship. As I have heard stated, “Relationships are everything.” A major problem with how we go about such practices as prayer, fasting, tithing, and service is the fact that these things are not done out of relationship. Often we are motivated by our worldly desire. We are not interested in knowing God more. We view such practices as a means to an end. We would gladly serve another entity that is not God if we will get the results that we want. Hence, in essence that is exactly what we are doing. God says that He will not be mocked. He knows the intentions and motivations of our actions. If in fact, we are not motivated by our love for God and the move of the Spirit our actions will likely be in vain.

Third and finally, our teaching is off base. I often hear Bible teachers say “embrace the promises of God!” I wish they would list these “promises.” These teachers speak in generalities and usually in the context of you giving money to them. They take the so called “promises of God” and let you apply that in any way you like. If you need healing, there is a promise for you. Do you need money? There is a promise for you. Having relational problems? There is a promise for you. They project the promise to be whatever it is that you want. Unfortunately, I have never come across a scripture where God has promised you whatever you want as though he were a magic genie waiting for your wish and command. Bad teaching leads to frustrated living.

Stop trying to force God into our formulated culture and lifestyle. Make relationship and intimacy with Christ your primary focus. Leave the door wide open when you seek God’s wisdom and answers to life’s problems. Start with the truth. If we start there it is likely we will end in the place we desire to be. Hold on to the promise of God’s salvation and His presence. He said that he would never leave us, nor forsake us. That is a promise worth pursuing. That is a promise that you can take to the bank of heaven.

Keeping Ministry Simple

Everyone that has served in ministry is well acquainted with the many struggles and frustrations one will face. There are many trials awaiting those that seek to answer the high calling of the Lord. Often difficulties arise in finances, time management, power struggles, and the allocation of responsibilities, to name a few. However, it has been my experience that many pastors and other ministry leaders seem to face one common frustration, “ministry growth.”
In my discussions with and counseling of ministry leaders I have found that the frustration of stagnation and the lack of growth weigh heavily upon those heading the outreach effort. Despite the greatest of our prayers, efforts, and plans, growth can be allusive. Many buy books and attend seminars trying to find the secret to multiplying the flock. We will hold special programs and create incentives for those serving in our ministry to produce new converts or members. Some may advertise, change the order of service, or their style of preaching. Yet, see no increase. In such situations frustration continues to mount.
Most of the time the intensions of the ministry are of a pure heart. Being that most of us are born and raised as American citizens we can not help but be acculturated by our nation. America is proud of its innovative spirit, work ethic, and “can do” attitude. We are a nation of opportunity. A wonderful place for the cultivation of the entreupernorial spirit. These are not negative attributes in and of themselves. In fact, many of these attributes work well with those in places of leadership. Yet, they are not always effective in the Kingdom of God. The quality of a ministries marketing, packaging, and services are not clear indicators of growth. Results are unpredictable in matters of the Spirit.
This is a hard pill to swallow. Many view ministry success in terms of numbers. Often, pastors will ask each other, “How many did you have on Sunday?” and “What was the offering?” Such questions can be devastating to the servant that is not seeing the results he’d hoped for. Weariness can set in as leaders push harder for results. Soon, a minister may be questioning his calling and whether he has made the right decision.
So, what is a person to do that finds themselves in such circumstances. Well, first let me confess that I do not have a magical answer to the frustrations of ministry. However, I believe the Lord has revealed a very clear picture of what our focus ought to be in the ministry. Let us review a discussion that has taken place between Christ and the Pharisees:
Matthew 22:34-40
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
The two greatest commandments are found in this passage from Matthew. Christ states that these two commandments sum all the Law and the Prophets. Such statements are not just good for life, but for ministry also. The clear commands to love God, neighbor, and self are boldly stated. This should be our approach to ministry. Following these commands should be the goal to which we aspire.
First, we must Love our God. Such a command is the basis of our faith. We should seek to love God through our worship, through obedience to His word, and constant pursuit of His presence. God should be first and foremost in all that we do. This should not be a said statement of faith, but rather a reality of heartfelt love and desire for our redeemer. Remember, God is looking for true worshipers.
Second, we should seek to reach out to our neighbors with the love and compassion of Christ which he has extended toward us. Such love can be expressed through evangelism, discipleship, and service. I believe sharing the gospel is the most compassionate thing a person can do for his neighbor. Nothing else can heal and transform like the power of Christ. Discipleship seems like a lost art these days. Once a person is converted nurturing is needed so they grow strong in the faith. Service can be practiced at any time on our neighbor’s behalf. Do good when and wherever good can be done.
Third and finally, love yourself. This is an area of high neglect in Christian ministry. Christ says love your neighbor as yourself. In order for you to extend love, you must have love to give. This can be accomplished through spiritual formation (the practice of the disciplines), self care (rest, relaxation, retreat), and community (healthy and safe relationships). Loving ones self can prove an effective tool against burnout and temptation.
I believe this is the Lord’s prescription for those that are frustrated in the ministry. Keep ministry simple. All these can be practiced daily whether your numbers are large or small. You may see growth as a result of such practices. However if you don’t, you can rest assured that you have pleased the Lord by following “The greatest Commandments.”