How To Be A Spiritual Failure

In the book, Devotions for the Man in the Mirror, Patrick Morley has an eye opening list for Christians who are actively engaged in "Church Work."

A Fool-Proof Formula for Spiritual Failure

Step 1: Go with the Natural Flow of Life. "Presume spiritual growth will occur naturally." Don't practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible Study.

Step 2: Immerse Yourself in Christian Work. "Give yourself fully to the busyness of Christian life. Spend your time doing the work of God, and don't bog down in the Scriptures and Intercession for the saints."

Step 3: Do More for God Each Year. "Measure your value to God by results. Don't listen to the idle chatter that faithfulness is more important than production."

Step 4: Look for Feedback from Friends. "Measure your spiritual value you get from other people. Derive your self-worth from how others value your achievements, possibly in commerce, but especially in ministry." Be a people-pleaser.

Step 5: Build a Reputation. "Pick service to God that is high visibility. Don't be satisfied with being a servant; become a star. Don't think much about doing service for the glory of God."

Step 6: Concentrate on Work that Helps People. "Believe that the issue on Christ's mind is easing the pain of life alone, not seeking and saving lost sinners."

My Thoughts

In Philippians 1:10, Paul shared that he prayed the Christians at Philippi would "approve the things that are excellent." In other words, his prayer was that they would understand what really matters.

As a pastor, there are many good things I do. However, at the end of the day, I realize I didn't do the best things. My prayer is that I wouldn't be so busy doing good things that I don't have time for the best that God has for me to do. God wants me to actively share my faith in word and deed. God wants people to have a personal relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ. May that be my focus, because when we fail to make evangelism a priority, we loose our spiritual vitality. Then, we can become a spiritual failure.