Paperwork, forms, meetings, phone calls, email, facebook, twitter, blogging…
When you start a church, there is an endless stream of tasks to take care of.
It is a huge undertaking that requires patience, time, energy, and cash.
You find yourself spending every waking moment thinking about or doing something for the start of this new church.
Don’t get me wrong, I know it takes dedication and perseverance to start anything new.
But at what cost?
I have found myself chasing this calling to start a new church but I have been neglecting some of the things that God has already commanded me to do.
I have researched everything about starting a church but have gotten away from diving into God’s word to receive the things I need for my daily life.
I haven’t stopped praying, its just that my prayers were less about how much I loved God and more about how much I need him to be active in my ministry.
I was too consumed with numbers (people and money) than I was with knowing Him in a deeper way.
I haven’t “back-slided” and I am not forfeiting the call on my life.
Actually, what I am doing is realizing that what I do is not as important as who I am.
Better yet, what I do is only effective if it comes out of who I am.
What I need to keep in front of me at all times is what God has already commanded me to do:
Love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Love my wife as Christ loved the church.
Love and protect my children.
Love my neighbors.
Love my enemies.
So this is my declaration:
Obedience to commands first, calling second.
God is showing me how to live.
I want to show others how to live for Him.