I’ve rewritten this about four times now.
I don’t know how to say what I want to say.
What I do know is that lots of energy, resources and lives are used in a lot of activity that we call “ministry”, that may not do anything that actually minsters.
I spend a lot of time talking about ministry, and good deal less doing ministry.
Why?
1. It’s easier.
2. I can control it.
3. It makes me look good.
4. That’s what I grew up in.
5. That’s the model available to me.
6. ?
I’ve got another meeting tonight.
We’ll talk about how to get our congregation to pray more. We will pray.
It’ll be about 6 to 1 talk to prayer.
This was the “verse of the day” today.
“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”- I Cor 4:20
7 responses so far ↓
jimmy paravane // June 2, 2008 at 8:16 pm |
Is obedience the expression of this power?
Zelig // June 2, 2008 at 8:31 pm |
Yes, but not the only expression.
What are you thinking?
Zelig // June 2, 2008 at 8:45 pm |
Just re-read my response. It could be interpreted as insulting, that’s not the way I meant it. I’m really asking for your thoughts.
jimmy paravane // June 2, 2008 at 9:10 pm |
Oh really? Now I’m wondering how that could have been read as insulting! (grin)
Actually I just meant that inaction is only not an expression of this power when it’s not done in obedience. IMHO, as always.
Zelig // June 2, 2008 at 10:10 pm |
Wonder no more. Insulting as in, “What are you thinking (you idiot)? Completely unintended, of course.
I think my concern is that inaction (talk only) tends to substitute for obedience (actual ministry), rather than not doing something out of obedience. I agree that inaction can be a powerful expression of the kingdom way.
jimmy paravane // June 3, 2008 at 9:29 pm |
Maybe I should have stated it as “Obedience is the expression of this power”. But that’s just words online. (grin)
Zelig // June 3, 2008 at 9:57 pm |
Right on. More power to ya.