"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9
Last week my two year anniversary as the Youth and Family Minister at Rose Hill church of Christ quietly passed (March 3). Each year, I like to reflect on the past year and look at the changes and growth that our ministry experienced, as well as, that I personally experienced. Youth Ministry can be a frustrating and discouraging job. It requires lots of patience, gentleness, kindness, understanding, and self-control (Galatians 2:22-23). You will go through many ups and downs in ministry. However, what keeps me going is that the ups in ministry always ALWAYS outweigh the downs. You're affecting people's lives and affecting them for the better. There's a lot of gratification in counting your blessings and cheering on the small victories in life.
Personally, I read Galatians and it speaks to me personally in so many ways. Paul, a patient man, writes to the people in Galatia - some who sought to destroy his character and authority. He writes anyways. Particularly in Chapter 5 Paul encourages the Christians there to serve one another in love (5:13) and cautioned against a temper, which if indulged, would hinder us from showing the mutual love and servitude in which he recommended (5:16). I read Chapter 5 and I ask myself, "Why youth ministry?" It's simple - a love for others, particularly our youth, to teach and show them what a mighty God we serve. Yet, my shortcoming is wearing my emotions on the outside and having an easy face to read. Something that Paul specifically cautions against because it will hurt our ministry. In a way, it is good when people can see my passion for ministry. The negativity is when something goes wrong and disappointment floods into my emotions while spilling out into the public. What a balance it is to be able to serve in love and to control your emotions for the sake of not damaging your ministry. It's something I feel like I am constantly working on - a thorn in my flesh.
Then, I read Galatians 6. This speaks directly to me and the ministry I am a blessed to lead.
- Keep watch on yourself, lest you be tempted (v. 1). A lot of people have a notion that Youth Minister's do not have struggles. How can we when we are teaching others about overcoming sin, right? However, some of our lessons are more personal than you know. We/I must avoid placing myself on the pedestal of not having struggles; otherwise, that's when temptation will become the greatest.
- Bear one another's burdens (v.2). Sometimes it is a lot to bear, but there's no doubt that you will feel some satisfaction when helping to carry someones burdens and sharing in that together. Isn't that what being a part of a Christian family is all about?
- If anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, deceives himself (v.3). Wow! That is so true. If we ever begin to think that what we do is ministry is all about us - watch out! I am only able to do what I do because of the grace of God and nothing else! I simply plant but God provides the increase. I pray that I will never forget that.
I could go on and on about the verses leading up to verse 9. This one really hits me. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (6:9) Let us not become weary... Wow! Is that possible? Tiredness seems to be a natural occurrence of what I do. When I read this, I translate it to mean - Let's not become so tired that we experience burnout and leave the work because at the time of God's choosing we will be rewarded for our work if we do not give up. Yes, I do experience weariness but the desire to do the will of God gives me life and energy to keep pursuing the harvest.
Once we have understood v. 9, we can move to v. 10 - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those in the household of faith." Don't go weary, you will be rewarded for not giving up; therefore, we need to seek opportunities to do good to all people when we have a chance, especially Christians. What a summation of ministry: Let's not grow weary and let's do good for all people. In other words, "Go into all the world..." seeking people we can minister. That includes our youth group, families, strangers, friends, etc.
And here we are at the 2 year mark... What's the assessment? God has plenty of work that still needs to be done. I will continue pursuing the work, ministering to the needs of the students and families, and will count my blessings (big and small) along the way. I will continue to pray for strength to overcome my shortcomings and count it all joy (James 1:2) when I do encounter less than pleasant times because I know it will help us to be a stronger ministry by going through trials and various things.
To God be the Glory!
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