Christ
and the Rich Young Ruler by Heinrich Hoffman (1824-1911)
Today,
reply is to a developing believer who was asked to lead the women’s
ministry program within a congregation where she faces challenges and
testing despite that her parent is the pastor. In all things there
must be gradual growth and learning. Properly understood, his
daughter has spent all her life preparing—not
for an opportunity to lead others—for
an opportunity to follow by serving the Lord. Rather than academic
credentials, professional experience, or special social skills, the
fundamental requirements for those serving one another within the
body of believers are that one resemble, reflect and reveal the
character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Inseparable aspects of the
divine fullness should be displayed including balance, commitment,
decisiveness (the ability to make and hold to sound choices without
showing stubbornness), faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering,
lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, perseverance,
unselfishness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written:
Matthew 23: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 But he that is
greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall
exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall
be exalted. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go
in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go
in. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion
& Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 109
points) posted the following:
If
my dad (the pastor) thinks I am ready to lead the women's
ministry...why are the other women at our church questioning my
ability to lead?
My
dad is the new pastor at our Fundamental Baptist Church, and he wants
me to lead the women's ministry, even though I have no leadership
skills whatsoever. I am only 22, and I am the youngest among the
adults of our church. My dad also knows that I am not ready, and he
only appointed me this role because I am his daughter, and he doesn't
trust anyone else.
Updated
2 hours ago:
However,
I will trust my father's judgment, and if he thinks I am ready...then
I am ready.
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into
divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your
faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect
work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of
you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let
him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a
wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that
man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double
minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1: 2-8, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Meaning Of
“Persecution” (02/12/2020); Make Me A Servant (04/08/2019);
Nothing Impossible For GOD? (04/07/2019); Those Apt To Teach?
(06/20/2018); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012); Does Everyone
Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012)
“Sparkles”,
where we seek counsel from Jesus, it is often best first to turn to
either the Scriptures or to our private prayer chamber. Many of the
challenges and problems we face will be resolved by careful
meditation and reflection during prayer and study. The Bible
presents many excellent examples of women who also were challenged to
serve; choose to portray one of them. Included are Mary the sister
of Lazarus, Mary Madalene, Dorcas, and Lydia. Where others have the
knowledge and skill you yourself lack, seek their advice, their
service, and their support in the Lord. The following scriptures are
from the epistle written by the Apostle Paul instructing Timothy to
recruit and ordain officers for the early church. Rather than
continue relying on evangelists, fugitives from persecution and
itinerant preachers, a core of Bishops and deacons were to be
ordained as part of a stable structure to carryout the tasks of
ministry.
(1.)
1st Timothy 4: 16, King James Version (KJV): 16 Take
heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
(2.)
1st Timothy 4: 6-7, KJV: 6 If thou put the brethren in
remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus
Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine,
whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’
fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
(3.)
1st Timothy 4: 12, KJV: 12 Let no man despise thy
youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
There
is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually
apprehended. (For example, from the music ministry of
Pastor Donnie McClurkin, “I'll Trust You, Lord” (4.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZotUuadtqs.) Even
so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according
to your faith.
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Washington,
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