What we don’t realize is that no one in church has time for petty. The word says we will have troubles in the world, not in church with His people. Church should always be an atmosphere of warmth, love and loving kindness, one that encourages and welcomes growth. We forget that people are going through in the world, they come to church to serve God and then have to go through more craziness, jealousy, egos, pride…

Members who want to lead, ministry leaders and leadership with egos, everyone needs to have a voice, to be seen, to make a name for themselves (not Jesus). Doesn’t this sound just like the world? Are we encouraging or discouraging each other? And I’m not just talking verbally, but with our actions too. If you’re reading this and it’s speaking to you and you’re at the point of breaking or quitting, don’t. God has you where you are for a reason. They may not even know what they’re doing and God could be using you to help them grow. Here’s something else to consider… Those who treat you badly lack confidence, are threatened by you, have an inferiority complex. Can we call it what it is because why else do people act funny unless because of personal insecurities or struggles that need to be dealt with? I heard this phrase somewhere, I don’t remember where exactly, maybe in church lol, “Confidence overcomes inferiority complex”. So pray for them and don’t forget they’re human too. (We sometimes, unknowingly, elevate ministry family to a higher place than they should be. We expect different from them which we should, but when expectations aren’t met, it hurts a little more.) Pray that your confidence in the Lord will be your strength and theirs too. Pray for everyone in church because the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy and he’s starting with us (John 10:10). 

And if you’re reading this and you know you ain’t right (yes, ain’t), just remember God. And why block your blessing? Pray for compassion and love and the grace to put others above yourself, and remember you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life. Even in church, smiles mask hurt and pain, nice clothes and cars don’t mean someone is financially stable and who knows what’s going on in someone’s career life, family life, relationships (unless you ask)… someone looking like they have it all together doesn’t mean they do. So, before letting unspoken and maybe unrealized personal insecurities lead you, let God tell you how to deal with every member that He has placed under your leadership or just by your side. They need you to build them up, not break them down. How will those around you remember you?

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:1-3

Why this even matters is because it takes away from the power and effect your ministry will have. Ministry becomes powerless when your heart isn’t in the right place. Your immediate ministry family will see it and so will the congregation. And even if we think people won’t see it, God will. We can hide before man, but not before God and He’s who really matters. As Philippians 2 says, God wants us to serve Him on one accord (read that whole chapter by the way, so relevant to this) because when we’re not, it’s difficult for Him to move through the discord, the strife, the hurt, the heavy hearts, the hurt people that need to be healed. If church looks like the world and has the same problems as the world, what hope will the non-believers have?

I hope that you take this personally because this has been too many people’s experience. I pray that you will let your light shine before others (Matthew 5:16) and that you will be the change someone needs.  ^“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

❤ Carin

(For the record I wrote this a while ago. I feel like I need to write this with a disclaimer because people talk and make assumptions and conclusions that aren’t true lol. If you are reading this and doing that, then, that’s on you lol and maybe you needed this.) I love y’all for reals! Say you love me too 😀 haha *muah*