Raise People in Christ with Passion

[19] “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,” — Galatians 4:19 NIV

Paul was a preacher with passion. He wasn’t just after people getting saved; he was also concerned about raising them to know God for themselves. Look at what he said in Galatians 4:19 from the anchor text again.

He was in pain of childbirth until Christ would be formed in them. That is a man concerned with bringing up God’s sheep with intense passion and sacrifice. But today, how many ministers do these things for their churches and ministries?

You who tell others to give, do you give more than them? You who tell others to study the Word, do you study it in secrecy too?

Spiritual leadership is very impactful. If you don’t do what you want others to do, they’ll listen to what you say when they hear you teach but will never follow what you told them privately in their lives.

Paul knew these things. That’s why he told Pastor Timothy that he should watch both his life and doctrine closely (see 1 Timothy 4:16). And if he was able to do it, he’d save himself and his hearers. That applies to us as ministers too.

God may have handed over a few people to you to disciple in the ministry. However, what’s your level of passion in training them? How laborious are you to study the Bible to teach them?

Remember that God is watching whatever you’re doing, including the secret ones. And on the judgement seat of Christ, you’ll account for it (see Romans 14:12). Raise people in Christ with passion for and to do the work of the ministry. For that is the core mandate of every believer in Christ (see Ephesians 4:11-12).

You’re a blessing.

Prayer:

Father, empower me with the wisdom, tact and leadership to raise people in Christ with passion, despite their flaws and shortcomings. Help me to keep my spiritual fervour always, refreshed in the contours of Your everlasting love. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 326