Study To Show Thyself Approved

Eight days from now, June 1, graduation of the 2010-2013 Doctor of Ministry cohort group is scheduled to take place (10 am - 12 noon) at Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN.  I  (Milton) am scheduled to be in that group.  This is a milestone in my studies and ministry and has been of great benefit in many ways.  I must confess, I am bit worn out with formal studies since this is my fourth post-secondary earned degree to be awarded.  The writer of Ecclesiastes expresses my sentiment in 12:12 (KJV) "And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."  After writing dozens of papers, reading dozens of books, sitting in hours of classes and covenant group meetings, doing the practical ministry aspect of the program and completing my dissertation of 247 pages over the past three years, I am ready for some mental and physical rest.  Yet, I realize that study for approval of God continues and is more than reading books, writing papers and sitting in class.  The Apostle Paul admonished Timothy to, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

The doctor of ministry degree that I earned and will be awarded is secondary to my desire to be approved of God.  Although, the doctoral degree is part of the lifetime learning experience that I believe God is pleased with, it is not the primary reason for studying and learning.  The Apostle Paul advised the Corinthians "For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."  2 Corinthians 10:18 (KJV)  His Apostleship was constantly being challenged by the so-called "super apostles" who disparaged his ministry and ability to be a dynamic orator.  He did not let that distract and deter him from the call that Christ placed on his life.  His call was about reaching people, mostly the Gentile people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He did not shun any people group.

I believe, it is the desire of every God-called minister/preacher/teacher to fulfill the work that God has designed for them.  Most all ministry of the church is directed to people.  Some of the helping ministries is indirect to people but people is what ministry is about.  I ask my congregation two times a while back to give me one word that describes or defines Christ's practical ministry on this earth when He was here and what ministry is about now.  I waited for a couple minutes and the congregation looked at me puzzled with no answer.  Do you know what the word is?

The past thirty three years of my pastoral ministry has brought many challenges and many opportunities for ministry to people.  There are many spiritual needs in and among people today.  Ministers who fail to gain skills in relating to people will find themselves struggling to have the teamwork, participation and backing to see a fruitful ministry.  Jesus looked over the multitudes of people as sheep scattered without a shepherd.  Did you catch that one word yet?  One of the first requisites for being in ministry, I believe, is to love and get along people.  If people get on a ministers nerves or if people's ways, statements, struggles, personalities, idiosyncrasies, needs, attitudes or any other peculiarities of people bother a minister - better find some other vocation.  Oh, I don't mean to say that I have never had a problem with some of these things but anyone who lets these things be a constant snare to them is in the wrong vocation.  One of the greatest ways for a minister to study to show himself or herself approved to God is to study people, learn to love them, care for them, pray for them and be there for them as much as possible.  This more often comes from God's call, being among people and learning through practical ministry.  So, the admonishment to "study to show thyself approved to God" continues......