In less than a year I will have pastored for 25 years and only three different churches in that span. God has been very gracious to me during those years and granted to me such wonderful opportunities. It was this statement of Paul to Timothy that gave me reason for pause and reflection:
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service (the ministry)” (1 Timothy 1:12).
Paul was thankful first that God “strengthened” him that is saved, transformed, and made him holy. Then, seeing his faithfulness, he called him into ministry. Paul was therefore known first as a man of holiness, character, integrity, and godliness and only then was his vocation of ministry important. A ministerial vocation without a godly heart is of no value to a lost world. So Paul did not want to be known first for his call but rather his character.
What are we known for: our call, talent, popularity, or charisma? Do people note our skill before they admire our godliness? May we not leave a legacy of merely years served, ministry accomplished, or buildings built, but rather may people know us for our godly hearts and lives of character and holy integrity.
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