Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
(Titus 3:1-9 ESV)
As ministers of the Gospel, we must be committed to a lifestyle of good works. Not with the intentionality of proving our faith or even gaining our faith, but simply as response to our faith. In verse 8 it tells us that everyone benefits from the good works we perform. Some things in life are lawful, but may not be good. Some things are important, but may not be worthy because others do not benefit from them. Our lives in ministry should not just be full of good morals, but also good quality. Worship ministry should not just be done with great intention, but also done with great skill. For its in the good that everyone benefits.
If I am good at home, my family will benefit. If I am good in my neighborhood, my neighbors will benefit. If I am good in society, the culture around me will change. If I am a good worship leader, or if the worship ministry I lead is good, everyone in my congregation will benefit.
I know it seems like a hard line and in some instance these premises may not be 100% true. But that may have nothing to do with the “good” in something. The goal in ministry that Paul encourages is to do good works. Let us be people who lives are filled with these things, so that the lives of those around us will improve.
Filed under: ministry, Moraine Valley Church, Reynosa, Theology, worship | Tags: ministry, Reynosa, Theology, worship
Worship by Association. What a concept! This past week our family had the privilege of visiting some of the most amazing people located outside of Reynosa, Mexico. I have been challenged to see worship for God in a way I have not had much experience with. I have heard and read many times in Scripture about giving t0 the poor and helping the needy. But it was this week that God spoke to me very clearly about what it means to worship Him by association.
“Do not be proud, but be willing to association with people of low position.” Is is possible that I could give to the needy, help the poor, supply all the resources necessary to fulfill their need and yet still not have allowed my heart to worship God? I think this week the Lord spoke to me very clearly and said yes. Worshiping God by helping the poor is much more than fulfilling a need. This out-pour of worship to God must continue to the heart of seeing yourself like them, being with them, living like them, having a total identification with them.
We spoke with one our missionaries here in Reynosa and asked them very specifically: what is it that YOU need? Very clearly they said, “when you care for these people, you care for us.” I couldn’t believe my ears. The very thing that God has spoken to me a day prior I was hearing again, but this time in a different voice. I was seeing and hearing this very concept in action.
I was encouraged this week to read Isaiah 58, a passage that speaks about true fasting. Packaged inside this passage it says, “Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
My prayer is that as we look to become more Christ-centered worshipers, that will not only would have a sound that blesses God’s heart but that our lives would reflect the sound that He hears.
Filed under: ministry, worship | Tags: Art, Artist, Creativty, ministry, worship
Creating a safe environment for artists in the church is a huge necessity. Ministry teams should be an inclusive place where people can not just use their gifts, but grow them. Artist should be surrounded by people who are willing care for each other and challenge each other to grow in the knowledge of Christ, having that translate to their artwork. Ministry teams should have a welcoming environment, and taking a risk in trying something new should be a consistent characteristic. Whether its writing a new song, creating a painting or stage design, learning a new piece of equipment, creating a new video background, or even taking the risk of becoming a vocalist, all artists should sense an environment that risk taking is fine.
If all we desire in ministry is a perfect production of art in the context of corporate worship, then we fail to see the opportunity for lives to be changed as the art is created. It’s more about process than product, even though there is a fine line between the two.
“Instead of depending on the power of the arts to enhance their worship or bring it about, faithful worshipers can actually enhance the power of arts by the faith-driven force of their worship”
Harold Best, Unceasing Worship, 122.
