Living The Dream
Why there is NOTHING like serving the King
As I begin to write this, I feel unworthy in many ways to address this growing trend among ministers to constantly groan and complain about the difficulties of serving God. This feeling is compounded by the fact that I have not personally faced many of the hardships my fellow servants of God have endured. God has seen fit, up to this point in my family’s journey, to allow perhaps only what He knows I can handle (which, honestly, may not be much).
Transparently, I feel that I could crumble under one crisis or devastating test of faith. I hope that I truly understand the realities of…well, reality. After all, we are all just one moment away from the true burdens that come with what we call the Christian life. Perhaps it is this awareness, along with the overwhelming grace of God in my life, that keeps the joy of the Lord in my heart. I can only hope that when the test of life comes, I will still be able—with that same heart—to express my confusion about my fellow brethren who seem infatuated with making sure the world knows how difficult they really have it.
Maybe you don’t yet know who I am referring to, so let me clarify. Specifically, I mean those brethren who, through social media, ministry presentations, or mid-sermon illustrations, emphasize how hard ministry is without equally (and, if I’m honest, disproportionately) highlighting the grace that gives us victory in spite of it. What I am saying is simple: GOD IS GOOD. Yes, church culture has taught us to repeat this until it can lose its depth, but this truth still stands—both in the pages of Scripture and in our moment-by-moment lives. Our God is not one formed by men; He is perfect, benevolent, and love itself.
God is at work in the world, and He has invited us to labor with Him—what a thought. The King of all kings has sent us a personal invitation into His presence, to reveal His great and perfect plan for His kingdom. He assures us of His authority and calls us to take part in a work that cannot fail (Matthew 28:18–20). The gates of hell itself cannot and will not prevail against the body of Christ in this world—and we have a place in that body! We are invited to live in His victory.
So when I see and hear the complaints of servants of this King—about how pitiful this work supposedly is—I cannot personally agree. I am grieved for those who have listened and walked away discouraged about the church and the ministry. I hope instead that you will read the words of the King Himself and understand where we are and where we are headed.
I am not saying that I have not faced troubles, trials, or difficulties. But I have found in the service of God a joy and purpose that He gives to any person willing to take upon himself the yoke that is “easy” and the burden that is “light.”
I am, quite literally, living the dream… and you can too.