God in the details
The tweet from an official seminary account said: "Theological training is essential to gospel ministry."
And I wrote that this was "One of the most self-centered, idiotic statements I've ever read."
But one that too many of our brethren have come to believe.
I should stay off Twitter.
"Professionalizing the staff depersonalized the care."
The above quote was said about mental health care in the 20th Century. The same can be said about ministry in the church. There is much that can be said biblically against clergyizing God's servants. At the same time, in practical terms, when spiritual service becomes a career, the "care" of others, or dedication to the work of God, is redirected to furthering one's prospects of professional development and monetary gain. It cannot otherwise be so. A whole industry arises to perpetuate the professional class and cater to their needs.
A devotional by F.B. Meyer, in bold what caught my eye:
A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven - John 3:27
After six months of marvellous ministry, in which the Baptist had seen the whole land at his feet, had gathered a band of disciples, and introduced the Messiah to the Jewish people, he found the crowds dwindling. His disciples viewed with feelings of chagrin the transference of popular interest from their master to Him of whom he had borne witness.
What John the Baptist meant by it. - He realized that the crowds, the hushed attention, the swift response, the power of speech, the message, the deep repentance, the office of morning star heralding the Dayspring from on high, had been the gift of God. He had nothing which he had not received; he would have received nothing, except God had given it to him. Whether these things went or came was a matter altogether beyond his control. His part was to receive and use what God gave; and then return to Him, at His bidding, the saved talent. This forbade alike pride and despondency.
What we may learn by it. - Humility and peace. Humility. Is this the time of your prosperity? Crowds wait on your words; mighty movements circle around you; glorious results follow on your plans! Do not be puffed up. Boast not yourself. "Who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" Peace. If it is not due to your lethargy or sloth that the crowds have ebbed away, and that the tide of conversions has dropped below its former level, be at peace. These are things which the Holy Spirit worketh, dividing to each one severally even as He will.
Originally published here.
It's unusual to happen in a single day, but today the Deus Conosco meditation site has hits from Angola, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Portugal, and the U.S. Canada comes in first with 100 hits. That's not only unusual but unique.
http://deusconosco.com