This thing called "Ministry" (Part 9)

We have been busy these past few weeks with travels and family obligations. Here we are again and I want to continue with the series that I have been running on "This thing called Ministry." We come to our ninth segment and all of these are based out of 1 Corinthians. HERE is a link to the first installment.

Notice with me the next thought that came to my mind as I was reading through 1 Corinthians.

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Not too many people would be daring enough or able to say to his readers, "Follow me!" We would realize our failures, our shortcomings, our weaknesses. But what is interesting about this verse is that Paul still puts a qualifier on the sentiment.

"Even as I follow Christ."

Paul never assumed that man should follow him as a man, but follow him as he followed ONE greater than all.

Ministry is about imitation. Someone has once said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Ministry is about leading others to Someone other than ourselves. It is about being infatuated with Jesus Christ and making everyone around you keenly aware of that infatuation. I am no one apart from Christ. My ambition in ministry is to point people to Jesus and the Father through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the only one who could boldly and appropriately say, "Follow Me."

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

In my humble opinion, 1 Corinthians 11:1 should actually be 1 Corinthians 10:34. Paul has just come out of the infamous chapter 10 where he has been discussing meats sacrificed to idols and Christians who interact with the unsaved and saved Gentiles. He has admonished them to do all to the glory of God and to live their lives in such a manner as to bring no offense to any.

Now, here comes our verse. "Follow me!" Not quite...."Follow me as I follow Christ." In my personal philosophy of ministry I state it this way, I am a leader by title and must fulfill my God given duties if I am ever to truly lead by permission of the people. I am a poor example when I ask people to follow me, but I am a capable leader when I ask people to follow me as I follow Christ.

Christ is aware of my weaknesses, failures, and tendencies to incompetence. He is also the One who can strengthen me and raise me up. He is the only One who can enable me and equip me to do all that He has asked me to do. Ministry is about taking my cues from Him and as He proceeds, I am able to progress.

Ministry is about leading, Yes. But ministry is more about following. Our ability to minister is only as great as the ONE we follow. Stay close to Christ and follow fast upon His heels.