MikeOharaLive the intersection of faith and life

Know your role

I love John's response to his disciples over their concern that they are "losing" people to Jesus' ministry:  "God in heaven appoints each person's work." (John 3:27)

John had a confidence in and a clear understanding of his God-appointed role in ministry:  To prepare the way for Christ - "that is all." (v.28)  Nothing more, nothing less.

In a highly-pressurized ministry culture that says do more, grow more, multiply more, expand more, etc., can pastors and ministry leaders every say "that is all"? I think one of the keys to ministry is to know your appointed role, find satisfaction in your role, and stop trying to become like someone else or their ministry.

There is a distinction between "that is all" and "it is finished".  To be clear, the work of the Kingdom is never finished until Christ's return.  When John said "that is all" he wasn't declaring mission accomplished; he was simply saying I know my role on the grander stage, and I won't try to overreach and play someone else's role.

In short, know your role.