Co-labouring

Simon Cowell is well known for finding stars through many a TV talent show. He’s often quoted to say, ‘We’ve just witnessed the Birth of a STAR!’

While those statements are sometimes true, they very much reflect the drive of many individuals. We want to be stars in our spheres of life!

As a young minister, I would say this is probably one of my biggest concerns or fears: my ego! The world I grew up in, as a non-christian for the first 19-20 years of my life, was one that continually sold me the line, that if I can dream it, and if I work hard enough, I can achieve it. The only person holding me back was me! IT’S ALL ABOUT ME… MY WORK IS MINE, about ME!!!

There is a fear that this can bleed into my work as a young minister. As Gamlingay Baptist Church grows and sees more people not only coming to church, but coming to faith, as the church starts loving the community, and is thought of positively, it is easy for people and oneself to think, wow… LOOK AT WHAT ADRIAN has done! He is SUCH A STAR! What a difference he has made.

My ego can come into play…

But, as a young minister, and dare I say, any age minister, I have to remember that I am NOT A COSTAR with God. If I am a co-heir with Jesus, I am therefore also a CO-LABOURER with Christ.  I have to remind myself, that I am not the one that does the miraculous; I am not the one that does the saving; I am not the one that brings people to faith, or grows the church…

I AM SIMPLY, working for God, labouring alongside Him, letting God, by the power of His Holy Spirit work through me, and on me!

McFly cheerily sang, ‘It’s All About You,’ and while that poppy song might get your toe tapping, scripture clearly tells us it’s about JESUS: In Colossians 1:17 we read that Jesus is before all things, and in HIM all things Hold together. It’s not in me, or you, but In Jesus!

This is contrary to the thought of the world. How do you hold those tensions together?

I know, that for me, I have to repeatedly humble myself before the Lord, go back in prayer, and constantly remind myself, that anything that God does in my life, at Gamlingay Baptist Church, or whatever the ministry I am involved in, it’s because of God, and His Love, Grace and Mercy. I am not a star, I am a labourer.

Does your life reflect that fact? Is Jesus the lynchpin, Is He the star? Or, have your calling, your vision, your passion and drive turned to revolve around you?

Know that God is ALWAYS there, ready for you, wherever you are… He has great plans for you, and wants to use you… but ultimately, it’s about HIM and His Kingdom. What are your next steps?