What Every Man of God Needed to Possess!
Ministerial responsibilities is not an easy go lucky calling. Yes, it's not a job, it's not a career, it's not a work or a duty to man and community that needs to be done as per schedule. It is a calling of which a pastor or minister needs to do in the 'Will' of God, in His Way, and according to His Written Word.
A pastor, minister or missionary is required to have the Calling of God to do the ministry. As God's servants; He expects us to have these marks in our whole body, spirit, and soul. We need the following:
1- We Need to Have His Love. It means you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior by believing in His redeeming love, by His sacrifice at the Cross of Calvary. (Ephesians 1:6- 7; 2:8- 10; John 3:16; 1:12)
2- We Need to Exercise His Love.
Love God. (Deuteronomy 6:1- 17)
Love Your Neighbors. "John 15:10 KJV
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." I suggest you read John chapters 13 to 15 to learn more about His love.
Love Your Enemy.
Some people have more enemies than friends. Sad. The Bible says; "Matthew 5:43-46 KJV Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?"
Your nearest neighbors that could be annoying to you, that bothers you every day, or is a pain in your back on a daily basis is your; spouse, parents, children, or may be your co-workers. You have to exercise that love to them.
2- Be Humble.
One of the reasons why Jesus came down from heaven to die in our place was to show us humility. He had set an example more than 2,000 years ago for us to follow His footsteps. Pride and arrogance destroyed the hearts of men, the homes of millions, and the house of God in millions of places since its Foundation.
The prophet Micah reminded us of what the Lord expects and requires of us pastors and Christians. - "Micah 6:8 KJV He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
3- Reverence to God and His Word.
What I've learned from Dr. Gavino S. Tica during our Ordination in 1988 was about the word "Reverence" which means "Fear" or "Respect " in the Bible. If you fear or respect God; you will honor His worship. (Start on time and don't take it lightly) in every aspect of worship. Be there at church before anyone comes over before you.
Read, share, and live on the principles of the Word of God. Respect the physical or hard copy of the Bible. Don't lay it on the floor or put something on the top of it whenever you lay down your Bible. Don't make fun of it in your preaching or in Social Media. Respect, honor and fear His name and His Word.
The word "Reverence" was mentioned only once in the whole Bible, and that's in the book of Psalm. "Psalm 89:7 KJV God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."
We appreciate all the pastors, missionaries, and God’s servants. I prayed and I hope this will serve as a reminder for everyone, especially the Lord's workers in His field.
Ely Roque Sagansay
Minister/Author/Editor
