me without a cause

Still thinking about the thoughts that led to yesterday's post. Sent off a note today about a particular issue common to many churches and church leaders: being ministry-focused rather than people-focused. You must know right off the bat that this issue doesn't come from a bad heart. Intent and passion might be residing in those recesses, I don't doubt that at all. I'm sure it comes from a desire to model the love of Christ, which He wants you to model actively. Action in ministry is in and of itself not the issue.

The issue comes when you think having ministries is enough. The issue comes when your focus becomes having many active ministries. The issue comes when you no longer see the ones for whom these ministries only touch the surface. The issue comes when those you serve become consumers of some service, a blur beyond recognition.

Lord calls us to serve the needy, love the widow, minister to the sick. But He doesn't ask us to do it out of obligation, but rather out of love. He calls for our service to come via a changed heart. Without that change, the action is completely useless to the Lord. That service is meant to serve you as well.