Keep Christ at the Center

If you have been in ministry for very long, you know it comes with its share of trials and tribulations.

Nobody tells you when you first answer God's call that ministry can be one of the most rewarding and one of the most difficult journeys you will ever walk. There are moments of great joy when you see lives transformed, marriages restored, prodigals return home, and people come to faith in Jesus Christ. Those moments remind us why we do what we do.

But there are also difficult seasons.

There will be criticism. There will be misunderstandings. There will be accusations. There will be disappointment. There will be times when people question your motives, challenge your decisions, or point fingers in your direction. Sometimes the attacks come from outside the church. Sometimes they come from inside.

The longer you serve, the more you realize that these challenges are simply part of ministry.

Paul understood this reality well. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (LSB), he wrote:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

What allowed Paul to endure so much hardship? He kept Christ at the center. That is the secret to surviving and thriving in ministry.

When Christ is at the center, criticism does not define you. When Christ is at the center, false accusations do not destroy you. When Christ is at the center, the opinions of people no longer carry more weight than the approval of God.

The enemy would love nothing more than to distract pastors, ministry leaders, and faithful servants from their calling. He wants us focused on the noise, the gossip, the hurt, and the conflict. He wants us to look at the storm instead of the Savior.

But ministry was never meant to revolve around us.

It is about Christ.

When Jesus is the center of your life, your identity is secure. When Jesus is the center of your family, your home remains anchored. When Jesus is the center of your church, the mission remains clear.

• People may misunderstand you.
• People may leave.
• People may criticize.
• People may accuse.

But if Christ remains at the center, you can keep moving forward.

Hebrews 12:2 (LSB) reminds us to be, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith."

Notice where our eyes belong.

• Not on the critics.
• Not on the circumstances.
• Not on the opposition.

On Jesus.

Every ministry leader will face battles. Every pastor will walk through valleys. Every church will experience challenges. The question is not whether trials will come. The question is what will remain at the center when they do.

Make sure it is Christ.

• Keep preaching Christ.
• Keep loving people.
• Keep serving faithfully.
• Keep your eyes on Jesus.

And no matter what is said, no matter what is accused, and no matter how many fingers are pointed your way, you will discover that His grace is sufficient, His strength is enough, and His purpose for your life cannot be stopped.

Ministry is not easy.

But it is worth it when Christ remains at the center.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Jody