Staying Focused On Him

Since beginning my journey to becoming a certified minister in the Assemblies of God, I have learned so many new things. Whether those new things have been in the actual textbooks, reflection, or in the lecturing, it really varies. The last course I have been working on has been on the topic of relationships and ethics in the ministry. Surprisingly, after reading the entire textbook, I realized how much of the information I had already known, been taught, or was aware of.

I grew up as a pastor’s kid (or PK) from the moment I was born until my senior year of high school and have, and continue to be, heavily involved in the ministry at my local church. I know so much about relationships and ethics, because I have been living it my entire life. From hearing conversations between my parents and others from being instructed by parents or others in leadership, these ideas of what is appropriate or what is morally acceptable has been instilled in my life from a very young age. And for that I am extremely grateful. I am thankful that it is natural for me to engage in relationships and situations in a way that is appropriate.

I still have a lot to learn. No one is perfect and I appreciated the different tools that the author suggested to help us in our every day journey. Some things are easier said than done and I personally know people who have failed morally while serving in the ministry and I’ve seen how it can destroy families, churches, and relationships.

In the text, I found the section that talked about “depression” the most interesting. I really do believe that the enemy targets those, in a kind of, spiritual authority the hardest. And when the enemy strikes, frustration, anxiety, and anger can quickly and easily lead to depression. I think it would be encouraging for people who deal with being depressed to know that they are not alone and that even great people in history dealt with it.

The Lord wants us to be focused on Him and all the things He wants for us. My prayer is that I would stay focused and depend on Him in all times of need. And that the Lord would protect and guide me in all relationships and moments that require making a difficult choice.