MORNING MANNA          10-15-21

I recently read that the average ministry lifespan for a pastor to stay in the ministry is two years! That is shocking and sad. But this isn’t just a preacher problem. It is a common problem with Christians. Far too many quit on God. The question is “Why?”.

While there are many contributing factors, one of the most common causes is discouragement that comes from feeling that you are just spinning your wheels, wasting your time. You feel that what you’re doing won’t make a difference and your effort will go unrewarded and be in vain. So why try?

In a way, that might sound reasonable. Why would anyone want to invest their time and energy in a worthless venture? Why would a farmer want to plow and plant if there is no hope of a harvest? That wouldn’t make sense. Time would be better spent doing something of value.

But serving God is different than doing things for material gain. We are called to a life of obedience, given a job description, and assured of a reward. We are promised benefits that pay eternal dividends. Our labor in the Lord is never in vain, and we need to live with that in mind.

Every Christian worker struggles with this problem and if they ever forget the reason and result of what they do they will likely quit. We must remember that many times what seems to be in vain will actually pay off later – often at a time or in a way that we’re not aware of. It might be after you are gone. So don’t give up. Payday is someday!

But there’s another, a better safeguard against this danger. We must always be mindful that what we do is for the glory of God, not the gratification of self. That should always be our main motivation for what we do – whether we are ministering to one or to a thousand. That will bring a satisfaction that can’t be found any other way. Ask yourself, “Why do I do what I do?” and if the primary purpose isn’t to glorify God you will fail.

So, let’s all do the best we can to do God’s will and leave the results with God. We sow, but it is God who gives the increase. Heb. 10;36 says, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” And God cannot lie! — HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346