And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12.9

The Christian Ministry: Part I, chapter V
Charles Bridges (1794-1869)
“How ample also are our sources of encouragement within the compass of our work! Did we depend upon the failing support of human agency, or upon the energy of moral suasion – we should cry out, prostrate in heartless despondency – ‘Who is sufficient for these things?’ But the instant recollection – that ‘our sufficiency is of God’ – ‘lifts up our hearts in the ways’ and work of the Lord…We have the fullest assurance, that ‘the life-giving Spirit’ employs our Ministry as the vehicle of conveying his heavenly influence ‘to open blind eyes,’ and to quicken the spiritually dead.”

Paul warned us against comparing ourselves with others in the work of ministry (2 Cor. 10.12). He also insisted that we must not derive our sense of worth or value from the opinions or accolades of men (1 Thess. 2.4-6). If we try to derive our sense of sufficiency in ministry from the numbers of people we attract or glowing responses to our teaching, or if we think our ministry will only matter when we’re more like the mile-wide/inch-deep megachurch on the other side of town, then we are not wise. Our sufficiency in ministry – to guide, empower, and prosper our ministry, and to assure us that we are being faithful – must come only from the Lord. Paul knew Christ intimately, deeply, personally, and continuously. He found all His sufficiency in Him. Only when our walk with the Lord is like Paul’s, will we know His sufficiency for all the work He has given us to do. Perhaps it’s time to review those disciplines by which you seek the Lord, to find your sufficiency in Him?
How do you receive encouragement from the Lord in your ministry? How do you encourage other ministers in theirs?

Spiritual Disciplines
Here’s a free crash-course in spiritual disciplines which you can use to review your own use of these important resources. Click here to download our ReVision study on Spiritual Disciplines. Use it yourself and with church leaders to grow in the Lord and His sufficiency.

Introduction to Spiritual Theology
Our spiritual lives pervade all aspects of our lives in the world – personal, relationships, church, culture, work, and all the rest. Our free online course, Introduction to Spiritual Theology, can help you chart a course for growth that will help you know more of the sufficiency of Christ for every aspect of your life. Study on your own schedule and at your own pace. Click here for more information and to register.

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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.