The Right Reason For Maintaining Joy In Ministry

[17] “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” [20] Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”— Luke 10:17, 20 NKJV

Every person strives for fulfilment in anything he’s involved in, especially men. Because of this drive, it’s dangerous to draw joy in the wrong places, especially in ministry, such as achievements, raising teams, building branches, etc. Jesus faced this issue with seventy disciples when he sent them out to preach the Word.

When they came back, they rejoiced because demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name. And instead of Jesus becoming pompous and happy that demons are leaving people, he told them to rejoice because their names are written in heaven. Jesus shifted their reason for maintaining joy from ministry exploits to heaven-ward anticipation of their eternal rewards. And this is a lesson for us preachers too.

The right reason for maintaining joy in ministry is the assurance that God will reward your work.
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Dear preacher, where do you draw your fulfilment from? Is it the outstanding leadership or administrative skill God has taught you, the people you’ve raised in the Lord, the church buildings you’ve completed, the systems and structures you’ve built to sustain ministry flow, or what else? All these things are great and worth celebrating. But the right reason for maintaining joy in ministry is the assurance that God will reward your work. So rejoice whether there are issues or not because God understands you. He hasn’t and will never forget your labour of love.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the grace to do kingdom exploits in this perverse generation. Keep my eyes gazing upon my heavenly reward for fulfilling my mandate. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 197