By Bill Leonard, Ph.D.

As you know, we are the Bride of Christ! That puts our called lives and ministry in the context of a marriage relationship.

Let’s look at that relationship first. A man and a woman meet, then are attracted to each other, and then a relational experience is developed. The miracle of love and attachment follows, resulting in a life-long commitment. The honeymoon is filled with joy and love like the Song of Solomon. It’s a wonderful experience of ecstasy and comfort.

An unfortunate thing then happens to the couple. Real reality! Difference of opinions; unacceptable behavioral expressions; hurt feelings; unrealistic expectations, and financial decisions. If the couple fails to constantly work at good relationship and intimacy, they may ultimately become miserably married. A kind of existence instead of a holy matrimony discussed in the Scriptures develops. We all know the results. Disaster!

Life in the ministry can have some of the same characteristics. Listen to these words, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). Remember, relationship is first! When we lose our honeymoon enthusiasm with Christ, just like in our marriage, life can become miserable.

Christ did not call you to be His disciple just to employ you. He loves you! It’s a blood covenant like a marriage between a man and a woman. Just like a marriage, ministry can become miserable when you lose your honeymoon experience, focus of purpose, and sheer excitement of relationship.

Here are some suggestions for enjoying your ministry:
1. Kindle your relationship with Christ everyday
2. Share your love with Him everyday
3. Confess your sins to Him and change your behavior
4. Simply enjoy being with Him, talk to Him and listen to Him as He shares words of love and instruction to you
5. Don’t focus so much on your ministry challenges and problems but on your daily love to the Lord
6. Remember, it’s His ministry that He has called you into

Hebrews 13:4-6 reads “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?”

So pastor, start today by enjoying each day in Christ and make Satan and his demons miserable! You don’t have to be miserable anymore, but enjoying your ministry in Christ. Call me at Ministerial Care if you would like to discuss this further. I can be reached at 800-762-5656.

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