The Danger of Losing Focus in Ministry (The Clergy)

 

Introduction:

“And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NKJV)

The primary purpose of the ministry God has given to you is for you to be a key player in building the Kingdom of God; first by raising men, whose heart and hunger is totally dependent on God and secondly for God to be glorified through your life and your ministry. The moment your focus deviates from any of these two fundamental responsibilities, you lose touch with Him who has called you and you also lose touch with your ministry. Every ministerial gift God has given through Christ to us, encircles within these two important factors.
In this article, the major point that we want to buttress is the word “FOCUS”.

Definition:

The word focus refers first and foremost to Purpose, area of concentration and axis of attention. In other words, a loss of focus is a loss of purpose; it is a loss of concentration that results in deviation of attention from your divine mandate.

The scripture tells us that the calling, the ministry/mandate which we have received is a high calling, (Eph. 4:1); therefore, it means that it is not something that should be taken lightly, neither is it a sort of jamboree. God gave you a ministry for a purpose, and the focus of your ministry should at all times be on the Kingdom of God, on Christ Jesus Himself, who paid the ultimate price. Hebrews 12:2 tells us, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”

The moment when your attention, your focus, your mindset deviates from Christ to materialism and worldly cravings, then you are unconsciously making an invitation to danger, doom and destruction. To build a successful ministry, Jesus must be the primary focus.

The Expectation vs Dashing of Hope:

The respect for the clergy is very high. The trust and confidence of members is that the clergy represents God/Jesus on earth. So whenever a clergy loses focus, he/she unconsciously drags the entire congregation along with him. The “small” thing a clergy does have a ripple effect not only himself, but also on his family and the ministry that God has entrusted into his care.

Character Comes First:

Anointing without character is disaster in waiting. Grace without character leads to disgrace. Character is the driving force in the ministry. The first stage that signals a loss of focus in ministry is the trait of a loss of character, moral values and principles; when you begin to act in contrast to the moral values and standards of the scriptures.

Trials, before Triumph, then Congratulations:

Even when tempted; Ministers are all expected to overcome as our Lord Jesus overcame. Trials and temptations are not meant to cause you to lose your focus, rather it is a call for you to intensify your faith, strengthen your spirit and act on the word of God to move on to your next level of manifestation. For when you have truly overcome, you will receive the ministration of the angels (Matthew 4:1-11).

The Love of Money/Wealth:

It is quite true and obvious that money is an essential necessity in the work of the ministry. But it becomes dangerous, when it becomes the focus of the ministry, rather than on God. When the emphasis, need and desire for money/wealth supersedes the emphasis on the teaching of the gospel, the emphasis on holiness and right relationship with God, it therefore means that the love of money has drawn the focus of the minster away from Jesus and this is where real danger sets in.

When we consider the life of the man “Judas”, we would envisage a man who placed more emphasis on the purse he wielded than on the Master who was leading. He became so accustomed to the purse that he was so insensitive of the work of God in the era, but an unworthy harlot whose focus was on Jesus got an understanding of the mystery of Grace, whereas Judas was more concerned about the monetary value of the alabaster oil (John 12:3-5)

Fellow Ministers, when we place more emphasis on the gift rather than the giver, we would have failed in our primary assignment as Ministers which is “to equip the saints” and “edify the body of Christ”.

The Love of Fame:

Whereas, there is need for Media Evangelism; almost every minister today wants to be seen on National Television, host the best programmes, organize the best concerts, hold the most number of services, or be seen in almost every poster or handbill or billboard in town.

These thoughts are good, but are they for the glory of God, or for self aggrandizement? Beloved, whatever you do, if Jesus is not to be glorified in it, then it is out of self and it is an abomination to God. Permit me to exhort you once again, that there is no eternal value for your ministry, when all you do is out of self and does not glorify God. If you take God out of the picture, your ministry will fail, your congregation will scatter like sheep without shepherd and your own image will not stand the test of time.

The dangers of Losing Focus:

The acquisition of money/wealth and fame will not guarantee you eternal life but would rather lead to your destruction. The scripture in Matthew 6:33 implores us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. Judas thought he had it all figured out: get the money, betray Jesus, start ministry, enjoy life in comfort. But he forgot about the One that sees him –God– (Gen.16:13). Judas loathed himself and even discarded the money he had gotten and hung himself; in his quest for fame/wealth. The following happened to him:

1. He lost his position as a disciple (Acts 1:25)
2. He became famous for spear heading evil (Acts1:16)
3. He lost his mandate as a leader and was reduced to public ridicule (Matt. 27:4, Acts 1:19)
4. His lineage was left in desolation (Acts 1:20) 
5. He lost eternal life

Perhaps, the effect of choosing wealth and fame over God’s work will not happen within a day, a week or even a decade, but be sure that your works will be tried.

Other dangers include:

• Diluting the word of God, to suit the itching ears of sinful men.
• Loss of faith and confidence in the divine power and providence of God.
• Impoverished feeding of the flock entrusted to you by God.
• Loss of your ministry and mandate and absence of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

Beloved, are you still sure of the calling of God you received when you took the vows to become a Minister in God’s temple? When faced with the temptation of quick alluring riches and fame, can you still stand firm to your conviction and the undiluted truth of the gospel? Have you in any way watered down your messages just to suit the itching ears of sinful men in your congregation whom you do not want to confront with the gospel truth simply because you expect favours from them (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? Ministers of God, let me remind you, that God who has called you is faithful! He will supply your needs and He will make you great, but your focus at all times must be on Him.

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