“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 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;”
Listen to what someone is talking about and determine the main focus of their ministry. Does the leader spend excessive time talking about self and what he or she has done or is doing? If the focus of ministry is on a person, or pastor, or church leader, it is not of God. Is there emphasis on the outward works of what man is doing or what you can do to better yourself through your own efforts?
But if the focus of the ministry, first and foremost, is to point you to God through Jesus Christ and lift up the Son of God for worship, salvation, and praise, then the Spirit of God is working. The focus of one's ministry needs to begin with Jesus Christ and make Christ the center of attention around which all other things take perspective.
Each leader of God must have a personal, vital experience with Jesus Christ. You will be surprised how many pastors, and church leaders do not know the Lord. Many people get into the ministry because they like to help other people which is noble; but, if they do not know Jesus Christ in a personal way, all the good works do no good. One must begin with a love relationship with Jesus Christ and in trusting in Him by faith, then point others to HIM.
The Bible says some will claim to have even cast out demons and heal others in the name of Jesus, but God will say, "Depart from me I never knew you." Some will claim some special supernatural revelation that is added information from what the Bible says. Beware! (See Matt. 7:22-23)
I have a hand written note by someone explaining that God revealed truth to him. What he writes about is a combination of truth with superstition around the mysterious usage of words.
Beware of false teachings. God's Word alone becomes the standard of truth by which everything else is judged. Peter writes in this book of the death, the burial, the resurrection, and the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the focus of attention for all who are servants of God.
The Bible speaks of a pastor like a shepherd, but the flock belongs to the Lord. It is not to build a bigger kingdom for the pastor’s sake. The church is God’s flock under the care and feeding by the pastor. One is called by God and is willing to serve His Lord and His Lord’s people.
Application: What is your real focus in serving the Lord?
Prayer: Lord, may all I do point to God, lift up the Son of God for worship, salvation, and praise with full reliance on the Spirit of God.
