None of us would ever admit this in public, but sometimes we can fall into the hireling mindset where we begin to think about what we do, like a job. The thing is, this has never been a job. It’s always been a calling. Remember back to the place where you felt called into full-time ministry, was it because of the dental benefits? Was it because you thought you’d get to live in a city with good schools for your kids? Was it because you figured you’d coast into retirement after a certain amount of years of service?
Of course not.
Your calling trumps your feelings. Your calling trumps your security. Your calling trumps your income. Your calling trumps your personal desires.
Now, this kind of talk gets tricky because it sounds like we should work for free in dangerous situations and sacrifice our family because we’re called. All I can say to that is, that we need to start with calling and then work in the other factors to determine the trajectory.
The reality is none of us will ever get paid enough or thanked enough for doing what we do. There will always be a lack of human compensation to this occupation. However, our calling; the thing that made us step out in faith in the first place, is what reminds us that God is faithful, our lives are not our own, and making Him known is worth it. So remind yourself that you’re called. Think like a called one and not a hired one.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.