“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Hey, lemme spend a few moments today exhortin’ you. Some (many? Most?) of you who receive my weekly ruminations are in a ministry of some sort – usually to the biker crowd in one form or another. As I consider the ministry that CrossWind has had through the years, my mind runs to what is required of the men who serve there – jus’ what do “sojourners” need to be about? Well, how ‘bout a couple of general truths that would apply to all of us who put ourselves on the line for the cause of Christ?
So, first off, consider this correspondence as an exhortation for us to be men of God in every facet of our lives. Certainly, the Scriptures hold the most complete presentation of what we need to be as godly men. Its pages are filled with God’s revelation on this topic, and I sincerely urge us all to search the Bible daily to learn from our Lord what it means to be Christ-like.
As ministers of the Gospel (for that is what we all are!), we need ponder Paul’s instructions to elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (admittedly, these guidelines are directly intended for the officers of God’s church, but they will also hold each of us in good stead as we minister on the front line of the disenfranchised of our culture – surely, they are good and noble qualities for all of God’s men to seek out and strive after). Bottom line, guys, are we personally and corporately living for Jesus Christ day-by-day in our behavior, conversation, and thought-life in such a way that God is being glorified and men are being blessed? What’s the evidence for godliness in our lives?!?!?!
Second, concerning commitment, have each of us taken into account our obligations to the Gospel ministry to which we’ve been called? We biker guys have all said at some point (or maybe thought it, at least) that someone shouldn’t join a ministry just for the patch – nor should being a part of a group, good times of eating and riding, being able to rub shoulders with bikers, using “the ministry” as a justification for owning a motorcycle, or any number of other possibilities be reasons for joining up.
The Bible says that a man called to ministry is, well, exactly that – he is called by God. It is a solemn responsibility – note Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. . .” [emphasis mine] Guys, this is no game, no sweet and sentimental pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by – ministry is a deadly serious business/ vocation with souls at stake all the time and at every turn. Thus, I ask in good faith: if anyone cannot or will not adhere to what God’s Truth says about His ministers, then will that person please resign from “X, Y, or Z Ministries” and fold his patch. Man, it’s the right thing to do!
(Chasin’ a rabbit for a moment, it’s been said to me that the biker ministry attracts the “type” of guy who has lived a “less than sterling” lifestyle; thus, I shouldn’t expect too much from ‘em. Sorry, but that’s no excuse. Hey, either God changes a man and then “sets him apart” for ministry, or the so-called “ministry” is nothing more than man’s own invention and enterprise. Such is unbiblical – it flies in the face of the plain teaching of Scripture! Wolves in sheep’s clothing are what they are! An’, even more, that ministry is downright soul-dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it ‘cause they’re followin’ “a foolish man who built his house upon sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [Matthew 7:26b-27] Do ya’ hear the CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH?!?!?!)
At this point, you might be wondering, “Is 2R out to shut down biker ministries?” My answer would be a firm, “Of course not!” (Or, maybe as Paul would say, “May it never be!” or “God forbid!”) I desire with all my heart that God’s ministries (biker and otherwise!) flourish and be beacons for the cause of Christ. But, guys, I would rather for any and all ministries – even CrossWind – become mere footnotes in history than dishonor our Lord in any way.
Now, on the flipside, let me encourage all of us to pursue godliness with all our hearts as we take the wondrous Gospel of our Lord and Savior into a world of the sinners. It is time to take a bold stand for the cause of Christ, but we dare not do so by playing the hypocrite. Instead, let us be champions for Christ, soldiers in the mighty army of God, true disciples of our Savior submitting to Him, becoming like Him, obeying His every command, and ready to suffer as He Himself suffered. The world – and especially the world of bikers – needs godly men to hold high the standard of faith and righteousness delivered by Christ and His apostles. Thus, I will ask another question: have each of us the will to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for godly ministry? Only by searching the mind of Christ can we answer this.
So, I leave you to personal consideration and prayerful contemplation. Be very, very careful in your deliberations – eternal issues are at stake.
Copyright @ 2011 CrossWind Ministry
