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“The proud have me in great derision, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.”
~ David, Psalm 119:51
I remember going home to speak one Sunday, many years ago. I had come to faith in Christ in high school – actually led to Jesus by a wonderful teacher. God had used me as he brought about the beginnings of a 20-year revival in our little town. I was known to all because my father was the local publisher of the weekly newspaper. Yet, after I spoke that morning, several people asked me where I got my sermon from (Like I had stolen it!) I wish that would have been the end of the derision that morning, but it was not. It was obvious to me that, in my hometown, I would always be ‘Louie’s little boy.’ However, I learned early on that Jesus shows us that insolent people are not to be the target of our lives and ministry …
Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” And they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. Mark 6:1-6 (NKJV)
We become like Jesus when …
o We refuse to waste time on skeptical and critical people!
“A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” God will use you! There is no question of that fact. What bedevils us is the chiding and superiority of some who would ‘put us in our place.’ Such insolence is to be expected in ministry … however, it is not to be catered to.
Eagle leaders follow their Lord’s example as their guide to ministry methodology. They refuse to waste time with people who scoff and criticize them and their ministry. Eagle leaders simply move on … “And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching” … knowing there are plenty of other people in need of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Today, ask yourself a simple question: Am I following the pattern and method of the Master, or am I spending too much time on the insolent? As you reflect on this, starting today, take the time to make the changes necessary in your ministry!
© 2009 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith
Dr. Matthew Lee Smith interviews Eric Michael Bryant who serves as an elder, speaker, and navigator overseeing the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles. This interview explores what makes this church, which is 70-75% are single, average age is 28 years of age, made up of hundreds of people in seven locations, six in the greater Los Angeles area. Discover the transferable concepts that Mosaic uses to reach this younger generation. Listen to this interview for your opportunity to win a free gift courtesy of Eric!
Starting as a volunteer in the parking lot at Mosaic, Eric later worked with students and then helped catalyze new venues across Los Angeles. He also teaches at the Southern California campus of Golden Gate Seminary and is working on his Doctorate of Ministry with Bethel Seminary. A sought-after speaker, Eric is one of the co-authors of The Uprising Experience, a workbook developed for Promise Keepers based on Erwin McManus’ book Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul, and has written several articles for Group and Relevant Leader magazines. His book, Peppermint-Filled Piñatas: Breaking Through Tolerance and Embracing Love, was published with Zondervan in June 2007. Eric lives with his wife, Debbie, and two children, Caleb and Trevi in the middle of Los Angeles County.
We are here to tell you today that your Father in Heaven is with you (remember that Jesus’ name Emmanuel means ‘God with Us’)! He wants to make so much more out of our lives than any of us are currently enjoying!
