It is Easy for Vocational Ministry to Become a Substitute for Jesus
Actually, every Christian faces this temptation.
If you read yesterday’s post, you know that I’m thinking a lot about the disconnect between embracing the propositions about Jesus and knowing him as a person.
Granted, the two are not mutually exclusive. To truly know someone, it is important—essential—to know about them.
But there is so much more than knowing about.
I might know about a famous athlete or even know a ministry colleague in a collegial way. But knowing about them does not automatically translate to knowing them in a relational way so that we can say we know each other as true friends versus mere acquaintances.
As a pastor, I knew a lot about Jesus. I did a lot for him and I told others about him. In one sense, being a Christian was my job.
Now, upon reflection, it feels like I was serving him and worshipping at a distance. This makes me wonder. Was I trying to find identity in my title rather than in Christ? Did vocational ministry become a substitute for Jesus?
Every believer is tempted with Jesus substitutes.
Two days ago, the substitute was “works.” Yesterday, we looked at the danger of “doctrinal correctness” as a Jesus replacement. Today, it is (ironically) “vocational ministry.”
Your substitute Jesus could be your looks, your academic record, your trophy spouse, your investment portfolio, your children’s success, your DIY prowess, your team’s record, your moral record, etc. We could go on and on and on with examples. You get it.
Reflecting on my years as a pastor, part of me says, “Of course I was walking with Jesus. My business cards said, Rev. Dr. Of course was making progress in sanctification. Of course I loved Jesus.”
Right?
The sad truth to confess is that I prayed more in public than in private.
I read more books about the Bible than the Bible itself. I spent far more time preparing sermons than soaking my own heart in the promises of grace. I identified more as a servant of God than a son.
I suppose this is the testimony of many pastors, which is why I wrote a post a while back, How Can a Pastor Have a Genuine Devotional Life When Being a Christian is Their Job?
But the disconnect isn’t reserved for those in vocational ministry. Most of us understand what it is to feel a disconnect between our profession of faith and our experience of grace.
What can we do?
It is not rocket science, but this works.
Re-abide in Jesus.
By faith, stop everything and gaze upon him. Close your eyes and see him, with nail-scarred hands, smiling, welcoming you to be his beloved. Strip away the titles, degrees, committee memberships—all the serving.
Then, hear his voice.
“You are forgiven.”
“You are loved.”
“You are mine.”
Hear this. Believe this. Again and again and again.
And see what happens next.