Sin has a subtle and deceptive nature. Satan shows no discrimination in his chosen targets. For the past few days I’ve been considering that truth. In order to combat the evil one, I’ve been examining ways that sin is trying to take root in my heart, particularly as an elder. What I’ve discovered is alarming, and I think it would serve all Christians, especially pastors, well to consider whether the same is true for you. Here it is: Grace-given giftedness does not excuse, permit, or lessen the varying presence and/or severity of sin before God, but rather calls us to greater accountability. Sin can deceive us into believing that God some how looks less upon our sin because of the presence of giftedness. It’s as though we’ve placed our sin and gifts on the scales of God’s pleasure and the latter has tipped his favor towards us.

Well, this is a dangerous and monstrous lie. The presence of grace-given giftedness doesn’t excuse sin but calls us to greater accountability both for sin and the stewardship of our giftedness. (Lk. 19:20-27; cf. Matt. 25:14-30; James 3:1) Here’s the reality: Giftedness can be improved even with the presence of sin. Teachers can improve their teaching and public speaking, deacons can find new and improved ways to serve, parents can instruct, and the list goes on. But now matter how well we use and improve our gifts, God will always be displeased with our sin. So our responsibility is to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving (our)selves” (James 1:22).

I could go on. But if you are an elder or leader in your church with teaching responsibilities, you will be well served by the words of Richard Baxter when he wrote:

Though there is a promise of shining as the stars, to those ‘who turn many to righteousness,’ that is but on supposition that they are first turned to it themselves. Their own sincerity in the faith is the condition of their glory, simply considered, though their great ministerial labors may be a condition of the promise of their greater glory…Believe it, brethren, God never saved any man for being a preacher, nor because he was an able preacher; but because he was a justified, sanctified man, and consequently faithful in his Master’s work. Take heed, therefore, to ourselves first, that you he that which you persuade your hearers to be, and believe that which you persuade them to believe, and heartily entertain that Savior whom you offer to them. (Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, Section 1-The Nature of this Oversight)

Posted in Devotional, Pastoral Ministry |