Resentment: The feeling of displeasure or indignation at some act, remark, person, etc...
I had a great conversation with one of our leaders this morning about the subtle danger of resentment in ministry. If we're not careful, resentment can grow undetected in our hearts over time.
- Have you made sacrifices for a worthy cause?
- Have you sacrificed evenings with your family in order to counsel people?
- Have you put a particular dream on the backburner in order to pursue ministry?
- Have you taken on debt in order to finish Bible College?
- Have you accepted a pay-cut because your church's finances took a dip?
- Have you moved to an undesirable location in order to start a new church?
If so, it may be that you joyfully submitted to God in sacrificial obedience. Or it could be that you did it for a different reason--
To please someone
To avoid failure
To achieve recognition
To grow your ministry
Here's one way to diagnose your motivation. Can you identify any traces of resentment in your heart?
Resentment is an indicator that you've done something good for the wrong reason. It's presence in your heart should prompt you to examine your motives.
I gave up all these evenings but the person never changed. Did you do it for that person?
I've accrued all this debt and can't find a full time position. Is that why you did it?
I gave up a full ride to business school, and now my ministry is anonymous. Did you do it for recognition?
I moved here to start this church, and now it doesn't seem to be growing. Is that why you moved?
The only good reason to sacrifice in ministry is because you're compelled to obey the one you love. When you're in love, sacrifice isn't sacrifice. It's a delight.
Leah and I have talked alot about this, because resentment can often show up in the heart of a spouse. It's a powerful thing for me to tell Leah that God wants us to make a particular sacrifice. But if she doesn't sense God in it for herself, she will most likely go along with me out of duty. After all, who wants to stand in the way of God's will. And if we're not careful, she'll grow to resent the very sacrifices I thought God was leading us to make.
Sacrifice is good. And when it's done as a relational response to God's loving call it is a beautiful thing. Just make sure He's the one inspiring it. Otherwise you'll wake up one day and resent the very thing for which you've sacrificed so much.
By the way, if you've developed a resentful heart, there is an atidote. It's a grateful heart. Gratefulness trumps resentment.
Have you sacrificed for God? Then I guarantee He's given up even more for you.
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