Ministry is full of hidden dangers. That’s true, not just for those in who are in professional full-time ministry, but for all of us who serve the Lord in different ways. As we turn to Acts 18:24–19:20 today, we find the apostle Paul coming face-to-face with three dangers: comparison, celebrity, and control.
We still face these ministry dangers today. We can be tempted to make comparisons with others who share a similar calling, measuring ourselves for better or for worse against another. Sometimes success can go to our heads, and we fall prey to the allure of celebrity. Big egos always mess us up, and we can fall into the trap of control, believing we’re in charge and everything rises or falls because of us.
But the reality is, it’s not a competition, it’s not about us, and we’re not in charge. This is Jesus’ work, and it’s all about Him. He’s building a big team for His glory. Our job is to serve Him and get out of the way.
So, let’s rediscover the heart of humble servanthood that makes much of Jesus. He must increase; we must decrease. After all, we are unworthy servants, and we are only doing our duty. Because we are loved, more than we know!
