We love to be able to choose between different options. In such situations you can pick one or more from a number of alternatives. It offers a wonderful feeling of being in control.
There comes a time when the power to choose is snatched from us. I think of frail elderly people who once had the power of making decisions for not only themselves but maybe hundreds or even thousands of other folk besides. Now they are dependent. If your carer has compelling reasons why you would be better off being moved from the chair to the bed, you have little choice but to go along with it.
Most of Jesus' first followers lost the power to choose what would happen to them in the end. In John 21:18-19 Jesus gives Peter the disquieting message, "I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
Then we read, "Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, 'Follow me!'"
For years I have had to accept particular work situations because there was no other option. This time I prayed that the Lord would give me a choice because it would be good, for once, to say to Him, "Lord, there are several options this time. Give me the discernment to choose the right one". Maybe - whisper it softly - this prayer has been answered in the affirmative. This would be welcome but it can also be quite scary! Lord, give me choice, but far be it from me to demand to be in control.
Thursday 28 October 2010
Sunday 10 October 2010
Ambition
The discussion at a recent Bible study turned to ambition. The disciples in Mark 9:34 were arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus replied that the first must be last.
Ambition in the ministry is usually connected with the numbers game. I remember hearing of ministers who were known for asking for "a significant appointment" - one in a large and lively church which was easy to make larger. Such men are eager to get on, and don't want to find themselves in a dead-end situation where they can't be seen to make progress.
One of the most frustrating questions from prospective churches is, "How big was the congregation in your last church?" If I reply, "Quite small", that goes against me. But if my last church had been big and doing well, why would I be looking for a new pastorate anyway?
True, the early church rejoiced mightily in growing numbers. Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, is pleased to announce that 3000 were added to the church in one day (Acts 2:41). I believe that is not boasting nor propaganda. It is simply joy that 3000 new people were acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord - which is what He deserves to receive from every human being on earth.
Most of us will never duplicate the results of that glorious day, but we still need some ambition to drive us. I am ambitious to be where I can serve the Lord Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me; I am ambitious to keep the faith, to raise up more servants and to finish my course well.
Ambition in the ministry is usually connected with the numbers game. I remember hearing of ministers who were known for asking for "a significant appointment" - one in a large and lively church which was easy to make larger. Such men are eager to get on, and don't want to find themselves in a dead-end situation where they can't be seen to make progress.
One of the most frustrating questions from prospective churches is, "How big was the congregation in your last church?" If I reply, "Quite small", that goes against me. But if my last church had been big and doing well, why would I be looking for a new pastorate anyway?
True, the early church rejoiced mightily in growing numbers. Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, is pleased to announce that 3000 were added to the church in one day (Acts 2:41). I believe that is not boasting nor propaganda. It is simply joy that 3000 new people were acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord - which is what He deserves to receive from every human being on earth.
Most of us will never duplicate the results of that glorious day, but we still need some ambition to drive us. I am ambitious to be where I can serve the Lord Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me; I am ambitious to keep the faith, to raise up more servants and to finish my course well.
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