There are tons of excuses that I cited, when God called me into spiritual leadership. I don’t think I’m alone on this, though. Many of us have “pulled a Moses,” and ‘informed’ God that His very creation isn’t good enough for His very plan. We’d never phrase it like that, verbally. But some of us make bad decisions based on our self-loathing tendencies.
There are a ton of reasons not to follow God in His plan for us, especially if that includes spiritual leadership. But that doesn’t change the fact that if it’s God’s plan, it’s not on us to make it happen.
What are your excuses?
1. I have a rough past. “I’m not sure that God can use someone who’s done what I’ve done. Doesn’t sin disqualify me for ministry? What about all the things that people know about me?”
2. I don’t pray enough. “I can go through an entire day without even so much as acknowledging God. Aren’t pastors supposed to pray for 8 hours a day? I can’t even pray 8 minutes a day!”
3. Sometimes, I don’t like being around people. “Ministry would be awesome if it weren’t for…people. You’ve heard it. It’s cliche. It’s not even funny anymore. But that doesn’t mean it’s not true. Sometimes, it’s just easier to crawl in my cave and be alone. Doesn’t a pastor need to be a people-person?”
4. I’m a hypocrite. “It’s really easy to teach something. It’s much more difficult to actually take action. I catch myself doing things that directly oppose my teaching. I probably shouldn’t be the one to lead people. I wonder who will?”
5. I’m selfish. “I don’t like doing anything but the things that directly involve me. I’m not into helping, serving, or sacrificing. How am I supposed to take a job who’s subtitle is “servant of God?”
6. I’m not an eloquent speaker. “ I’m not your typical crowd-gathering communicator. The only people who can really impact people are great communicators, right?”
7. My priorities get out of whack. “It seems like I always end up making decisions that disagree with my beliefs. Am I going to be able to keep the priorities of ministry in line?”
8. I’m not a natural leader. “People have never followed me. I’m not a natural leader. Why would they follow me as a leader in the church?”
9. I’m really unsure of myself and my decisions. “This is where my insecurity hits its apex. I’m never sure of what I decide to do. No one wants to follow someone like that.”
10. I’m afraid. “I am terrified of what God wants out of me, because I know what that means. I don’t know if I’m ready to give up the life I lead to really follow Christ.”
The truth is that all of these statements were very true of me before God called me into ministry. I’ve grown a lot in some of the areas I mentioned. I could use some work in most of the areas. But none of that matters when it comes to being used by God.
Because God called me.
He called me to lead teenagers to discover their potential in Him and in His Kingdom. He gave me my marching orders. He equipped me (and is still equipping me) for everything He has called me to.
So, let’s stop reminding God of all our faults, and fall into the grace that is His plan for us.