“And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught
the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and
set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words:
and that which was written was upright, even words of
truth.” (Ec 12:9-10 AV)
The
preacher does not teach the people because the people heed or obey. He teaches because he knows. He does not minister because there are measurable
results. He ministers because God has
taught him. If we are not careful, we
will become discouraged because we see little fruit from our efforts. Ministry become about us rather than about
God. We do what we do because we’ve been
committed to a trust. A trust of the
gospel and the truth of God’s word.
I’ve
had the privilege of working as a chaplain among health care providers. Specifically, doctors and nurses. Those doctors that really impressed me were the
trauma doctors. The ER doctors who cared
for patience in situations wherein immediate care was needed in order to save a
life. What goes through their minds is fascinating. How they can process the stress of saving
lives day in and day out is astounding.
Not knowing the final outcome of their attempts before they practice
medicine is a challenge to overcome. Will the patient make it? Will this patient repeat the choices that
brought them to the ER to begin with? Will
the fix that was offered work? What kind
of rehab are they looking at? So many unanswered
questions. But these thoughts cannot
enter in the mind of the trauma doctor.
He practices because he knows. He
practices because there are things to learn.
The best outcome is hoped for, but it cannot be guaranteed. He finds satisfaction is applying what he
knows and learns to deal with the results as a separate matter altogether.
The
preacher should be content in the mere privilege it is to declare the word of God. He should feel a sense of purpose and know
that he has discharged his calling when he has taught and preached the truth of
God’s word faithfully and with conviction.
Sure, Paul rejoiced in the Philippian converts. He has pleasure in those whom he won at
Ephesus. It is right to good to rejoice
at the works of one’s hands. But we need
to be careful that results are the motivation for what we do. Noah had no converts outside of his own
family. The majority of the prophets of
the Old Testament were not heeded. Yet,
they declared God’s truth because they were given it. This is why we do what we do. Let us leave the results to the Holy Spirit!
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