Christian Hub
1 year ago
Finding True Identity: Resisting the Temptation to Define Ourselves by Our Ministry
As ministry leaders, it is easy to get caught up in the distorted reflections that surround us. Just like looking at ourselves in carnival mirrors, we can be tempted to let our ministry define our identity. But this is a dangerous path to walk.
In his book, Dangerous Calling, Paul Tripp warns against the temptation to find our identity in our work. He compares this to looking into carnival mirrors that show us distorted versions of ourselves. While these mirrors may show us a reflection, it is not an accurate representation of who we truly are.
Tripp explains that our struggle to find identity in our work is a common human experience. We often look for validation and purpose in the things around us, whether it be our relationships, achievements, or even our ministry. But as Christians, we are called to find our identity in Christ alone.
The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:3-7, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."
These verses remind us that our identity is not found in our ministry or any other external factor. Our identity is found in Christ, who has chosen us, redeemed us, and adopted us as His own. It is in Him that we find our true worth and purpose.
When we allow our ministry to define our identity, we are essentially forsaking the gospel. We are saying that our worth and value come from what we do, rather than who we are in Christ. This is a dangerous mindset that can lead us down a path of pride, burnout, and ultimately, spiritual blindness.
Tripp shares a personal experience from his early days as a pastor. He recalls a conversation with someone in his church who pointed out his tendency to think he had to be the best at everything because he was a pastor. Tripp realized that he had allowed his ministry to define him, and it was causing him to lose sight of the gospel.
He emphasizes the importance of regularly reminding ourselves that our identity is in Christ, not in our ministry. This can be done through devotional times of reflection and prayer, where we ask God to reveal any distorted views of ourselves and to help us see ourselves as He sees us.
As pastors, we have a unique calling to preach and teach the gospel. But we must remember that we are not exempt from needing the gospel ourselves. Every sermon we prepare should be accompanied by a devotional interlude, where we humbly ask God to reveal any areas of our lives that need His transforming grace.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
These verses remind us that our weakness is not something to be ashamed of, but rather an opportunity for God's power to be displayed in our lives. When we recognize our need for the gospel, we open ourselves up to the transformative work of God's grace.
In conclusion, it is vital for ministry leaders to resist the temptation to find their identity in their work. We must remember that our true worth and purpose come from our relationship with Christ, not from what we do. By regularly reminding ourselves of this truth and seeking God's guidance and grace, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride, burnout, and spiritual blindness. Let us fix our eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, and find our identity in Him alone.
In his book, Dangerous Calling, Paul Tripp warns against the temptation to find our identity in our work. He compares this to looking into carnival mirrors that show us distorted versions of ourselves. While these mirrors may show us a reflection, it is not an accurate representation of who we truly are.
Tripp explains that our struggle to find identity in our work is a common human experience. We often look for validation and purpose in the things around us, whether it be our relationships, achievements, or even our ministry. But as Christians, we are called to find our identity in Christ alone.
The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:3-7, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."
These verses remind us that our identity is not found in our ministry or any other external factor. Our identity is found in Christ, who has chosen us, redeemed us, and adopted us as His own. It is in Him that we find our true worth and purpose.
When we allow our ministry to define our identity, we are essentially forsaking the gospel. We are saying that our worth and value come from what we do, rather than who we are in Christ. This is a dangerous mindset that can lead us down a path of pride, burnout, and ultimately, spiritual blindness.
Tripp shares a personal experience from his early days as a pastor. He recalls a conversation with someone in his church who pointed out his tendency to think he had to be the best at everything because he was a pastor. Tripp realized that he had allowed his ministry to define him, and it was causing him to lose sight of the gospel.
He emphasizes the importance of regularly reminding ourselves that our identity is in Christ, not in our ministry. This can be done through devotional times of reflection and prayer, where we ask God to reveal any distorted views of ourselves and to help us see ourselves as He sees us.
As pastors, we have a unique calling to preach and teach the gospel. But we must remember that we are not exempt from needing the gospel ourselves. Every sermon we prepare should be accompanied by a devotional interlude, where we humbly ask God to reveal any areas of our lives that need His transforming grace.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
These verses remind us that our weakness is not something to be ashamed of, but rather an opportunity for God's power to be displayed in our lives. When we recognize our need for the gospel, we open ourselves up to the transformative work of God's grace.
In conclusion, it is vital for ministry leaders to resist the temptation to find their identity in their work. We must remember that our true worth and purpose come from our relationship with Christ, not from what we do. By regularly reminding ourselves of this truth and seeking God's guidance and grace, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride, burnout, and spiritual blindness. Let us fix our eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, and find our identity in Him alone.
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