Show me, don't tell me

I believe we can learn a lot from the "Show and Tell" activities they have in schools. I've noticed that there is so much "Tell" and sadly little "Show" in some churches.


I like the way the Amplified and Amplified Classic Versions respectively render Romans 12:3:

For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. 

For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.

While I'm not against people highlighting their accomplishments in life - and in their "former churches", it's a well-known fact that previous performance is not a predictor of future returns. This is true not just in the investment world but also in the Ministry.


Sadly, I've seen too many people who I'd say "have an exaggerated opinion of their importance" and start off by introducing themselves with titles such as "Pastor" "Minister" and saying all that they did with Pastor so-and-so. In essence (and in my opinion), name-dropping in order to gain immediate recognition and maybe positions in their new church. If/when they talk their way into the positions, there is no commensurate performance.


I'm really saddened when people want to be recognized but don't want to be held accountable. When I hear people reciting their "Ministry Resumes" I say (to myself):

 "Show me, don't tell me."  

It hurts...

...but pays

A few months ago, I awakened thinking about humility and Mrs. Pastor then said to myself: "Sometimes it hurts" and decided that I'd write about it. BTW, I know I'm taking a risk...

"Forget the mold"

The Holy Spirit laid this topic and instruction in my heart as 1 Samuel 9: 1-2 was being read as part of one Sermon last month:

The Project

It's been exactly 5 years to the day, since I launched this blog. This was all because I felt I needed to have a place where I could to express myself...so I decided to create the space.


As I prepared for this post, I looked back to the very first post
http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2011/04/mrs-pastor.html
and smiled at how much has not changed and how much has also changed.


For instance, these promises have not failed - God has fulfilled and continues to fulfill them:

Your future will be brighter by far than your past.

(Job 8:7 - Contemporary English Version)

 

I will bless you with a future filled with hope -

a future of success, not of suffering.

(Jer 29:11- Contemporary English Version)

I really thank God for how much He has helped me mature and retain my focus on Him not on my husband or even on members of our church for affirmation. Yes - look UP not beside...

Back to the focus of this post - I remember the first time I mentioned this "Project" and my husband gave me the "Green light" to proceed - yes I thank my husband for his support too. Many times, over the past 5 years I've told him that I was tired of doing this and he kept encouraging me to keep writing...and I kept (and will continue) taking the leap (http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2016/02/take-leap.html)

So as Mrs. Pastor celebrates 5 years of existence, I decided to write this piece to encourage you - yes any and every other Mrs Pastor who God has laid a "Project" in your heart to get on with it. You don't need people's applause - just God's approval.

Know and focus on your Purpose...on purpose. You have a #YOUnique Purpose... 

I totally agree with Robert Byrne that: "The purpose of life is a life of purpose."

Just as you are the only person who can fill and fulfill the role of your husband's wife, you're also the only one and best fit for any assignment God has given you...please get on with it.