Cuba Gooding Jr. made a statement in a film he was in, that I have never forgotten. It was in the film "INSTINCT." He said:
"I love the work, but I hate the game." I can relate to that, in the work of pastoral ministry. All the power struggles we have, because various people want things to go their own way, instead of working together to accomplish the ministry program the Lord Jesus has already set forth for His church. Ministry has been stifled, even brought to a halt, because of the "games" or "activities" of trying to accomplish self-centered ideas and ambitions. Our church is to be the best looking church there is; better than any other church. The numbers are to look good, the activities are to be many, so we will look productive. We compete for the places of position, and activity, so we will look good, before all in the Congregation. Everyone has ideas on how things should be, and if my idea is not considered, I will take my ball and go home. Jesus gave His church a program of ministry in Matthew 25:34-40
(Please read) This is His idea for ministry of the church in this world. It is not about how the church looks, or how we look as we perform various activities in the church. It is about reaching out to the world on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is about meeting needs, and through meeting these various needs, we take advantage of meeting the greatest need of all, and that is introducing people to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Let's stop the power struggles, let's stop the games of selfish endeavor, and let's join together to be apart of the greatest rescue effort there is. It's not about polishing the fire truck, it's about getting out there, and rescuing those who are trapped by sin and Satan, and are on there way to the fires of hell. Let's lay aside the game, and focus on the work! GP
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