Our Purpose in Ministry and as a Christian

Proverbs 19:25

If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you reprove the wise, they will be wiser (NLT). Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge (KJV).

This year as I have been traveling around the world preaching about Jesus, I have used the theme of “purpose” several places. The Lord has given me several sermons on this subject as I have spent hours studying this topic. I have been a Christian since September 22, 1985 and I have watched several people handle different situations in life. I have found that we don’t always make the right decisions and this also includes me. So I want to address the subject of, our purpose in ministry and Christianity.

There is a great difference between the person who learns from criticism and the person who refuses to accept correction. How we respond to criticism determines whether or not we grow in wisdom. The next time someone criticizes you, listen carefully to all that is said. We might learn something. Are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way that you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put-down or clever reply when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better. It is usually better to learn from the mistakes of others than from our own. We can do this by listening to their advice. Take counsel from others instead of plunging ahead and learning the hard way.

In the King James Version of Proverbs 19:25 the word smite is used which means to abuse, mistreat, beat up, bruise, mishandle or batter. Many times the enemy will put the thought in our mind that people are trying to do those things to us. But did you think that maybe it is God trying to teach us something that we have never thought about before? Most people are always looking for someone to tell them what to do, but many times there are also lessons to learn on what not to do. I can remember a board meeting we were having for Large Ministries and I asked each one of my board members if there were things that I could do better as a minister. My mother-in-law spoke up and said that I could use some help with my speaking. Maybe take some college classes on speech, or have someone critique my speech. That was a great help to me. Since then I have caught myself using the wrong words or not pronouncing them correctly. You all know how the hillbilly’s speak (we have our own language), and we don't know what we are saying sometimes. I want to say the right thing and improve on my speaking ability. I could have badmouthed my mother-in law or put her down but instead I learned from that situation and I feel that God has helped me to become wiser in different circumstances. I have taken criticism from Kathy on the way I say things or pronounce them. I know we are not perfect in ourselves but we all need to strive for perfection. (We are perfect in Jesus) I want to be the best I can be for Jesus. I never want to get to the place that I think I have arrived and know everything. But I do want to become wiser and receive more of God’s knowledge through the Word of God and being obedient to the Holy Spirit. I also want to help encourage others to get where God wants them to be. What about you?

Our job as ministers or Christians is not to criticize, abuse, mistreat, bruise, mishandle, batter, bad mouth or put down people. We all have experienced or seen plenty of that in the world and even in the church. We are to show others the love of Jesus and let them know that Jesus loves them and cares for them. Jesus is not happy with the sin they are committing, because Jesus hates the sin, not the sinner. We as ministers still need to preach against the sins of this world, which is the truth of the bible. The bible teaches that we are to have a relationship with Jesus and with others. I thank God that I have friends and family that believes in the call that God has given me. Always keep in mind that we are to help build the kingdom of God not to destroy it. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord” (NLT). Without all the promises of God we would be in the same predicament of those that still wear the “veil” and have not had their sins forgiven. (2 Corinthians 1:20 & 2 Peter 1:3). So lets all find our purpose to help restore, rebuild, encourage and uplift those that are hurting and lost and reach this generation with the love of Jesus. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted”.

Evangelist

Kenny Large

© 1999 Large Ministries, Inc.
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