Keep On, Keeping On!
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. —Galatians 6:9
This month I’ve been in full-time ministry for 41 years, and 29 of those years at Bible Baptist in Port Orchard, WA. Although I never get tired OF the ministry, I confess I sometimes get a little weary IN the ministry. “How’s that,” you ask? Well, I preach to exhort the saints to follow the Lord. I teach Christians to grow in their faith knowledge of the Lord. I try to compliment people to stir their love for the Lord. Yet, sometimes I don’t see any visible growth or improvement. It is then I must be content to just do what I can to help people from getting worse!
It is similar to the work of a house wife. She vacuums the house, prepares the meals, washes the dishes, does the laundry and ironing. And her family often doesn’t see results either. However, suppose she doesn’t keep house for a month. I promise you will see the results.
Don’t get me wrong. I thank God for putting me into the ministry! I’m not feeling sorry for myself. The thing that sustains me is knowing the One I am serving. While in a sense, I am serving God’s flock, but ultimately I am serving the Lord of the flock. And that is what helps me to keep on, keeping on!
Looking unto Jesus… lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Heb. 12:1-2)
2 Replies to “Keep On, Keeping On!”
Your 29 years in the same place is a great testimony to your faithfulness. Sometimes the success of the preacher cannot be measured by the metrics of the world. The preacher is successful when he rightly divides the Word consistently to his congregation. That you have done my brother.
Thank you Dr. Conner. You have been a great encouragement to me. I appreciate your friendship and ministry in the Word. May God continue to bless your good work there at First Baptist in Panama City, FL! Al