The Shepherd’s Example (14)
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and strife, and some also from good will… Philippians 1.15
I recall once picking up a visiting pastor to take him to a meeting. He had some relationship with the work I was doing at the time, and his was a large and growing church somewhere in Florida.
We’d never met, and so to inaugurate our relationship, the pastor spent the entire 40 minutes of our drive talking about himself, the large church conference where he had just been a speaker, the subject of his preaching, the rapidity of his church’s “growth”, and more. Nonstop. As if it were my great privilege to learn about how great he was.
Later that day, the minister preached at one of the gatherings of our ministry. His message was clear, Christ-centered, and commanding. Couldn’t have done better myself.
But I was relieved that someone else was asked to take him back to his hotel.
My experience that day reminded me to check my motives, to make sure that self is not in the way of service, pride isn’t an obstacle to relationships, and the main motive in all I do is ministry, not me.
Hildegard of Bingen wrote, “…people’s motivations cannot be concealed from the depth and profundity of God’s acute awareness. All too often they themselves either reveal their lack of warmth or manifest their purity. In their hearts and actions, some tire themselves out and fall asleep in disgrace, while others spur themselves on and remain vigilant in great honour.”
It’s a good idea always to be checking our motives with the Lord (Ps. 139.23, 24). It’s too easy for pride, jealousy, resentment, and self-righteousness to weasel their way into our working regimen. Unless we maintain constant vigilance over our souls—and have a soul friend or two to help us in this—we run the risk of doing the right things for the wrong reasons—for self, rather than for the service of God and His people.
Keep a close watch on your soul, to guard it against improper or impure motives.
Being disciples and making disciples
The more we increase in knowing the Presence of the Lord, the more we will grow as His disciples. Join me and Mike McQueen as we discuss on our Pastor to Pastor podcast. Click the audio bar or the link at the top of the issue to join in.
Resources for Shepherds
Has the West lost its soul? Ailbe Brother Stuart Kellogg points us to an important article by Paul Kingsnotth. Check out Stuart’s summary and review then click through to the article.
Our men’s study group, “Praying with the Psalms”, leads us day by day and step by step into the experience of praying the psalms more consistently and with greater effects. You can join this group any time. We meet once a month and review four psalms each time we meet. Jump in anywhere (we’re on Psalms 6 and 8 this week) and stay as long as you like. For now, register for this free study by sending me an email at [email protected] and ordering the book, Praying with the Psalms from our bookstore (book or free PDF).
Other columns of interest this week: In our ReVision series on “The Kingdom Economy” we continue looking at ways the Law of God applies to our lives. This week in our Read Moore podcast we consider the question of what it means to know Jesus Christ. Our Crosfigell teaching letter continues our study of the life of Brigit, a contemporary of Brendan. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
From the Celtic Revival
This woman therefore grew in exceptional virtues and by the fame of her good deeds drew to herself from all the provinces of Ireland inestimable numbers of people of both sexes who willingly made their votive offerings. On the firm foundation of faith she established her monastery in the open expanses of the planes of Mag Liffe, which is the head of almost all the churches of Ireland and holds the place of honor among all the monasteries of Ireland.
– Cogitosus, The Life of St. Brigit the Virgin
Brigit majored in good works from the very beginning of her ministry. In this she was doing nothing more nor less that Jesus Himself had done. Her generosity, kindness, and willingness to help were what drew people into the orbit of Jesus’ love, where many heard the Gospel and were saved.
Follow the rest of Brigit’s amazing story. Add our twice-weekly Crosfigell teaching letter to your subscriptions.
The Celtic Revival: Overview and Theology
Two free PDFs will help you to understand the vast scope of the Celtic Revival (ca. 430-800 AD) and to examine the theology of the period at first-hand:
The Celtic Revival: A Brief Introduction
Theology of the Celtic Revival, Part II: Foundations
T. M. Moore
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
