I want to ask a hard question. And believe me, I’m asking myself this question first before I ask you. Here it is: Is your music ministry about Kingdom building or about self building? Ouch! If we get completely honest the answer may hurt a little.
If you’re feeling a bit conflicted about your answer to that question – that’s good. I think a quick answer might not be an honest answer. I believe that if we are completely honest before the Lord we have all dealt with a bit of “self-building” in our ministry. Even when our heart’s desire is to be all about Kingdom building, self has a way of getting in there. If you’ve found yourself battling self as you minister, desiring to be a Kingdom builder not a self builder then here are some verses to encourage you.
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (ESV) Now here’s a truth to keep in the forefront of our hearts and minds as we minister. Keep yourself accountable with these questions: Am I doing what I’m doing for selfish ambition? Am I humbly considering others above self? Is it “my way” or “no way?”
1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (ESV) Here’s the standard for our call – to walk in a manner worthy of God. He has called us into His Kingdom through Jesus and our very lives, including our ministry, should always be about building His Kingdom for His honor and glory.
Ephesians 5:15 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise” (ESV) As you look carefully at how you walk, how you live, that will include watching closely how you minister – use the wisdom from God’s Word to guide your every step.
Remember, everything we have and everything we do is unto the Lord. We should hold everything with palms wide open – no white-knuckle gripping the ministry you’ve been placed in. It’s the Lord’s ministry, not yours, and not mine. If He sees fit to move you or change the ministry around you, and your heart is truly about Kingdom building then these changes should not cause you to miss a beat. Sometimes it just takes some changes in circumstances to get us to see a little clearer what our ministry is being built upon.
Let’s take these Scriptures to heart and keep ourselves in check so that we do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, that we put others before self as we minister in a manner worthy of our calling.
Let’s be Kingdom builders and not self-builders!