In the past few weeks I've been going through 1 Timothy and it has brought a ton of things to my attention. What if God is calling me to full time ministry? In first 1 Timothy 3:1, Paul says "If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task." Notice how Paul uses 2 different terms for those who are called to be overseers. "Aspire" means "to reach out after". He is describing and external action. "Desire" means "a strong passion". These two words combined apply to the man that is called to the ministry. I have to make sure that if God is calling me to full time ministry, that my heart is truly set on God and not for selfish ambition. A few verses later, in verse 6, Paul says "He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into condemnation of the Devil." I know that I am not a recent convert, but i still have a lot of maturing to do in faith. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble". James 4:10 says the same thing. It's so easy to be prideful in certain areas of your life, especially when you truly start to grow as a Christian. Peter goes on to say in vs. 8 that the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Satan would love nothing more than for someone to take an overseer position and to tear apart a church that is on fire for God because of the their pride and conceit.
With all of that being said, I am trusting that God will guide and direct my path for what the future has in store for me. Psalm 25:4-5. Even if I am not called to full time ministry, I won't be disappointed because I that its God's will. And if I am? I want nothing more than to build up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12.
For those who have read this, if you could pray for me in this area of my life I would really appreciate it. And if anyone needs prayer from me or wants to talk about anything spiritual, just let me know.
