Press the arrow to listen to Chris Tomlin sing “Amazing Grace” (with images from the movie) as you read today’s devotion about humility in ministry.
Scripture
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:15-17
Observation
A pastor is successful not because of himself but in spite of himself and all because of God. But there is a temptation to pivot our success on our good points. Paul knew he could not. Each day he would have had flash backs of the angry tirades of his youth against the very Christians he would serve that day. The church planter had started his career as a church slasher.
In Paul’s mind, his background, or rather lack of it, made God stunningly obvious in all that he did. He couldn’t take the credit, because Jesus called him to serve the church at the very moment he was galloping off to destroy it. There would be no more pride for him of who he knew of and what he knew about. Instead, not just humbled but humiliated, Paul would remember the rest of his life that the only thing he had to offer was Jesus.
Application
I was reflecting the other day over successful church planters I’ve known. As I scrolled through the names, none of them were seminary graduates. Few had stellar backgrounds from godly families. It seemed to me that the successful ones had nothing to offer, they knew they had nothing to offer and were quite comfortable with that.
Application
I had business cards designed yesterday. I didn’t put my academic degrees on there, but some do. I think Paul’s business card would have read, “Saulus Paulus, Chief Sinner”. In that way, everyone would know that everything else was Jesus.
Prayer
Father, the only thing I have to offer today is Jesus. Help me not to forget that. Amen.
