The article is entitled "The Dangers of 'Faking It' In Ministry. Find it here.
Wow - this is such a good warning and encouragement, not just to people in official ministry positions but to all of us who are following Jesus and walking in community with others.
The day will come when you have to deliver a sermon, or counsel someone in need, or listen to a heartsick soul, and you will be in no fit condition to do it. Your prayer life may have been missing, or you have an unreconciled relationship that needs attention, or any number of things may have interrupted your communion with God and your rejoicing in the Gospel. (I knew a woman who claimed she had taken “maternity leave” from her relationship with God…) When that day arrives, you will have two choices: sit down, at whatever expense of time and ruination to your schedule, and get right with God. Then, and only then, attempt to minister in his name.
What you will be tempted to do, and what most of us do actually do, is to say “I don’t have the time to get back into fellowship with God before this sermon/lesson/counseling session/pastoral appointment. But I know what needs to be said or done, so I’ll just do it (even though my heart is cold) and I’ll get straightened out with God AFTERWARDS.” And, if you’re unlucky, you’ll get away with it. The talk gets delivered and is even praised. The person you meet with professes gratitude and seems to be helped. The meeting runs smoothly. So you do it again. And again. And again.
Please, please read what else she has to say. You will be encouraged to be honest in your struggles. Honest with yourself, God, and others.
And yes, check out Joel's blog, too! (Click here.)
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