A Devotional by Eric S. Reamer
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but willing to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
When you first log in to my web site, you are greeted with the words, "Welcome to Ministry By Effect!". This 3 word combination is original with me, and I think it appropriately describes the nature of the type of work that I do -- I present the Gospel (that's the ministry part) through various "optical illusions" (that's the effect part).
However, I cannot claim originality for the concept of the philosophy of ministry I have held for nearly ten years now... and that is the concept of "Ministry by Example". This concept is found in the text cited above, and I am of the opinion that while this text most certainly speaks to pastors and evangelists, and other teachers of the Word, I also believe it bears a distinct message to all believers.
In the last week, I have been granted license to preach by a major denomination, and can now, with the full blessing of all, make use of the title, "Reverend" in front of my name. Those who know me personally will no doubt be able to imagine the smile on my face at this point, because I am perhaps the most unlikely person to bear that title. Not because I have not worked hard for it, I have, and will continue to do so. I laugh, however, because I have done my very best to "practice what I preach" for more than 10 years in the full time ministry - and while I do make some "king-sized" mistakes, I have long believed that such a practice, (that of Ministry by Example), supersedes any title one can bear. If you are a Christian, then this message is for you.
The first point I see that is of universal interest to us is the fact that we are to be WILLING. This is often contrary to the way the world teaches us. Especially here in America, it seems we are often "conditioned" to cross on the other side of the street when something comes along that will require something more than a cursory glance from us. We try our very best to get away with as little as we have to, often, just enough to get by.
The Word, however, commands us to be willing. This, by definition, must come from the heart, and cannot be contrived. One cannot force the state of willingness... but it is a by-product of that transformation by the renewal of our minds.
Second, rather than greedy, we should be EAGER to serve. Again, this must come from within, with no expectation of return, or personal gain. The paradox here is this, when we do serve, we end up with immeasurable gain... spiritual gain, given freely by the Lord Himself.
And finally, we are to be EXAMPLES. And this, my friends, is honestly where the wheat is separated from the chaff. (That's about the full extent of my technical "farm" lingo. Much thanks to Myron Johnston of Montana for teaching me that much!!)
Was I the only one, or did your parents tell you week after week that, "Actions speak louder than words"? When I was a teenager, it seems I heard that phrase more than any other (and we won't get into why it was necessary for me to hear it so often... hehehe), and I remember clearly how I hated to hear it every time.
Well, I am no longer a rebellious teen, and now I have children of my own, and you know what? They were right! And it applies for more than just the obvious things... It most certainly applies to our responsibilities as Christians.
I am not, nor ever have been the type of evangelist that stands on the street corner, waving my 10 lb. Bible, and screaming to the people of their need for a savior. I believe there is a time and place for everything, and I will not dispute the call of those who find this type of evangelism effective. I have, however, always found that the most effective message I can deliver is the one that does not require words.
Many times, I can "feel" the scrutiny of those in my audiences. Particularly when I perform multiple services in a given week, such as at a camp setting, or when I return year after year to various churches across America. And sometimes, people come up to me, and say, "You know, at first I wasn't too sure about you, or the methodology of your ministry..." (I don't blame them, I KNOW I ride the edge of what "traditional" Christianity can tolerate...) But they continue, "But as I have watched, and listened, and observed the way in which you live your life, and handle your family, etc... I am able to clearly see the Lord at work in your life".
Friends, there are few things that mean more to me than when I can hear these words. To know that people can see Christ in my life is a clear demonstration of the validity of my relationship with Him, and His call on my life. And this applies to each of us, regardless of title or position. We are called to lead by example... and I am of the opinion that if more people led in this manner, and fewer tried to lead by "verbal direction", the world would be far and away more impressed, and more inclined to follow...
Copyright © 1996 Eric S. Reamer, all rights reserved