As we have been reminded this week of the job of the pastor called of God we looked at Peter’s advice as to his calling, his hope, his focus and his tasks. Peter shares the motive of serving- the reward of a life that has been faithful in serving his Lord and Master.

Peter also knew that in spite of his gifts of preaching, evangelism and teaching as the chef spokesman for the disciples he was to point people to the Chief Shepherd. The point Peter makes is that the sheep do not belong to the pastor, they belong to Jesus Christ. We are under His authority and care.

As pastors we are sheep as well and must follow our Chief Shepherd. The motive for ministry is not higher wages and better salary, if needs are being met and his family is cared for. 

The minister must be careful of covetousness, not to work for money. It is perfectly proper for the church to pay their pastors and to be as generous as possible. I do not believe it is right for a church to try to get by on how cheap they can if they are not letting their ministers have a decent wage.

When Apple Computer fell on difficult days, the young chairman, Steven Jobs, traveled to NYC to convince Pepsi CEO John Scully to move west and run the company. He told Jobs, "Financially you'd have to give me a million salary, a million bonus, and million severance."

Flabbergasted, the chairman agreed but only if he would move to Calif.  But Sculley would commit only to being a consultant from New York.  Steve Jobs issued a challenge, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want to change the world?"

Sculley admitted that knocked the wind out of him. He had been so caught up with his pension, salary and personal benefits that the purpose of changing the world put his life in perspective.

Jesus called us not only to change the world, but have effect on people's lives that affect their eternal destination.  In whatever you enjoy doing, let God move within you that you can affect others in their relationship with God.

The Biblical motive for serving is God's call on his life.

Let’s face it. There are times when attendance is up and down, times when people seem responsive to the gospel and times when they are not. There is something more. It is the urgency of God that we must be about His work, and are willing to do it or you are unfulfilled.

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He was the one who died for your sins, not any pastor or Sunday School superintendent or church chairman.  It is the Great Shepherd who saves and empowers who gives you peace, it is not found in any human being.

Application:  Let these principles guide you not only as parishioners, but as Christian laymen as you let God minister through you.

Prayer:  Lord, I know all my fulfillment comes from you whether I am sharing the gospel or working on our home.   May all I do be to Your Glory.