Values and life lessons. ..
First let me remind you that you are called to the ministry by God and he is the one you must please. He told us to love him and follow him and to be reminded daily that he shed his blood to save us not because it was his duty but because he loves us so much. He wants you to love and serve him out of love as well. Don’t ever look at your ministry as a call to duty but devote yourself to a ministry that is driven by love.
Secondly remember that although you are called to be a minister of the gospel and a shepherd of the flock God has given you, you have been first called to be the spiritual leader in your home. Aside from Jesus your wife should be the most important and most loved person in your life. She is the one who you can trust most, the one who, like Jesus, would die for you. Honor her as you would honor Jesus and show her your unfading and unconditional love.
Thirdly your children are a gift from God and you need to pour your life into them. Give them the time you do not have. You will have so many things you need or want to do but always make them your priority. Sacrifice your time for them and invest in their life.
Fourthly see the people God has given you to shepherd through the eyes of Christ. Your heart will be broken by these people but remember Jesus loves them and died for them. These people will frustrate you but remember Jesus loves them and died for them. These people will reject you at a time you need them the most but remember Jesus loves them and died for them. Whatever happens in the flock God has called you to shepherd always remember what Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd. I lay my life down for the sheep.” That is the same sheep God has now called you to shepherd. You don’t have to die for the them Jesus already did that. You have been called to live before them a life that reflects Jesus.
Finally, be the man God has called you to be not the man you think you should be or the man others think you should be. Your ministry will be easier and more rewarding if you focus on pleasing God by just being content in his divine calling and being you as God has ordained you to be. Preach the word and never waiver from its truth.
