Most of you are familiar with David of the Old Testament.  God chose him as king on the basis of what was in his heart, not how he looked.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  (1 Sam. 16:7)

The heart is so significant because it guides how we do what we do.  “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” (Lk. 6:45)

Serving Out of a Heart of Integrity

David was well aware of this truth.  How he served mattered.

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”  (1 Chron. 29:17)

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”  (Ps. 78:72)

In God’s economy, the end does not justify the means.  The process matters.   How interesting that 1 Corinthians 3:13 says that “the fire will test the QUALITY of each man’s work.”   Accomplishments, no matter how great they might seem, will be like the “wood, hay, or straw” that will burn up on the day of judgment (1 Cor. 3:11-15) if not accomplished with an integrity-filled process.

Ignoring Process Misses the Big Picture

If we are not concerned with the process, we might just find ourselves trampling on the very people we are called to serve.  In an effort to check something off our “to do” list, we might miss the big picture if we do not concern ourselves with the process.

Preachers, Teachers: It isn’t just about saying the right things.  Your heart and life must back up what you say.

Parents, Teachers, Leaders: It isn’t just about solving problems.  You need to consistently address wrong-doing, training people with the truth of God’s Word, but you must do it out of a heart of love, demonstrating both grace and truth.

Children’s Workers: It isn’t just about methodology.  You need to creatively engage students in the learning process in ways that fit their developmental abilities but methodology must never take the place of relationships which stem from a caring heart. Children need to know you love them.

People Helpers: It isn’t just about doing your duty.  You should give to the poor and help those in crisis due to natural disasters and other losses but also feel their pain.  Are you weeping with those who weep? (Rom. 12:15)

Don’t be fooled.  The process does matter!  To think otherwise is to follow the ways of the world. Let’s dare to be different. Let’s maintain a heart of integrity and love in all we do so that both the process and the end result glorify God.

“What Ifs” can be constructive if used for evaluative purposes, to examine choices we tend to make and ways we conduct ourselves over which we have the ability to change.  “What if” we did things different in our walk with God and ministry? What kind of difference would it make?

Here are some “what ifs” to think about that could potentially revolutionize your ministry:

• What if you spent more time daily communing with God in His Word and through prayer?

• What if you cared more about what God thinks than what people think?

• What if you spent more time listening to others than trying to promote your own agenda?

• What if you acted with a little more grace toward those who stand in opposition to you?

• What if you spent more time responding than reacting?

• What if you expressed your appreciation and gratitude for people more often?

• What if you tried to get people more involved in the process rather than doing it yourself?

• What if you stopped and prayed before every decision you had to make?

• What if you thought outside of the box more often rather than doing it simply because “we’ve always done it that way”?

• What if you put more emphasis on Jesus than on programs and your own image?

• What if you were as good of a role model for your own children as you act in front of others?

• What if you acted like you really believe what you teach or preach?

Maybe you already do these things.  Great!  Just remember that there is always room for improvement.    None of us have arrived but we can all press on (Phil. 3:12).

Maybe you need to make some changes.  Think of the difference it would make in your own life and in the lives of those in your sphere of influence.  Look to God for power to change.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Church leaders aren’t the only ones who need wisdom as they serve.  In whatever way you serve, you need wisdom.  Who doesn’t need wisdom in all facets of life?  How wonderful that we simply need to ASK God for wisdom.

Application of truth

ASK: How does this truth relate to my responsibilities, attitudes, and decisions?  (Col. 1:9-12)

We need to get beyond simply “knowing” truth.  Knowledge must be coupled with insight.  The implications and application of truth bring relevancy to God’s Word.  We will be more fruitful when we pull on His wisdom and strength.

Stewardship of time and resources

ASK: How can I make the most of every opportunity God gives me?  (Col. 4:5)

We need to know how to juggle our schedules and budget purposefully.  We can get consumed by the “tyranny of the urgent” and that which seems to cry out to us the loudest.  We will find ourselves making practical, common-sense decisions that effectively use what we have and at the same time make a difference when we exercise His wisdom as we serve.

Keeping on the path

ASK: What must I do to stay within God’s will? (Prov. 3:5-6)

We need a big picture perspective that helps us understand how what we do fits into God’s eternal scheme.  Our own understanding will be limited in scope.  We will be more purposeful and persevering when we seek and apply His wisdom.

Walking in wisdom makes sense.

Learn to Personally Walk in Wisdom

Teach Others To Walk in Wisdom

Later when Moses met with God, he said, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Ex. 33:15).  Moses knew the importance of God’s presence. 

How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? (Ex. 33:16)

Why God’s Presence is Important:

1. God’s presence is an indication of God’s pleasure.
   When people sense God’s presence, they perceive that something good is happening in that church or ministry.  God will not bless that which displeases Him.  Because He is sovereign, God will work all things for the good (Rom. 8:28) but that is different from putting His stamp of approval on it.
2. God’s presence is an identification mark of being God’s people.
   There are a lot of individuals and organizations doing good things in this world who are not Christian.  What makes us different from them? — God’s presence.  With God’s presence comes a power to make an eternal difference, not merely a temporal one.

 
People will be more prone to getting involved if they believe God is present in it because it will be going somewhere, making an eternal difference.

The next question, then, is “What are indications of God’s presence?”  We will look at that in the next post.  You can subscribe to receive e-mail notice of new posts

Dysfunction Defined in Regard to the Health of the Body:

Think of the metaphor of the Body of Christ being like a human body.  When a human body is not functioning as it should, there will be issues that affect its well-being and growth.  So it is in the Church.

When a limb of the body isn’t used, atrophy sets in.  The limb gets weak and it become harder and harder to use.  Compare this to a disuse of our spiritual gifts.

When the there is some kind of blockage and messages do not get from the head to other parts of the body, we can do abnormal things.  Compare this to a lack of fellowship with the Lord, who is our Head, blocking the power flow and our reception of directions from Him.

When we are sick or have some sort of disease or infection, our human bodies don’t function up to par.  Compare this to sin in our lives and the effect that has on how we serve.

When we try to use a part of the body in ways for which it was not designed to be used, we must compensate in certain ways and often are not as effective.  Compare this to the misuse of our gifts, being in ministry for which we are not gifted.

Effects of Dysfunction Due to Poor Health:

Think of your own tendencies when you physically do not feel well.  These same effects can be experienced in the Body of Christ.

• affects the morale … more likely to get frustrated, perhaps even despondent
• affects the energy level … easier to do the minimal of what is needed just to get by
• affects the perceptions and reactions  … tend to be quicker to misinterpret things, get irritated or defensive, ensuing in conflict
• affects the quality … harder to put a wholehearted effort into what you are doing

Dysfunction Broken:

Truth

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Ps. 145:18)  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139:23-24)

Be honest about your condition.  Remember Achan.  His sin affected the whole camp.  Remember Ananias and Sapphira.  They were judged not so much for what they did but for lying about it.  “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. … But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.”  (Eph. 5:8-13)

Grace

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9)  “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. ” (Eph. 1:7-8)

If we have done something to cause our spiritual unhealthiness, God’s grace is the answer.  He might not rid us of the consequences of our sin but He will forgive and bring healing to our souls.  If our condition was the result of someone else’s wrongdoing or something God allowed to happen to us out of our control, still, His grace is sufficient.  His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Power

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  (Eph. 3:16-21)

Sometimes when we are sick it is hard to imagine ever being well again.  Don’t despair or give up hope.  God can strengthen you through His Spirit and do far more in and through you than you can ever imagine.  Why would He do that, particularly if the problems were your own fault?  Through it He is glorified as His power is made known.

Dysfunction Defined in Regard to Performance:

That we were commanded to use our gifts in certain ways, lets us know it is possible to use our gifts with the wrong approach, attitudes, or motivations.

If we are commanded to faithfully use our gifts (1 Pet. 4:10), then it must be possible to use our gifts inconsistently or not to the level we could.

If those with the gift of giving are commanded to give generously (Rom. 12:8), then it must be possible for them to be stingy in using this gift.

If leaders are commanded to lead with diligence (Rom. 12:8), then it must be possible for leaders to get lazy.

If people with the gift of mercy are to show mercy cheerfully (Rom. 12:8), then it must be possible for them to do so begrudgingly or with hesitation.

God expects that in whatever we do, we give it our all, doing our best, for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; 2 Tim. 2:15).  Anything short of using our gifts in this way is dysfunctional because we are “not performing as expected.”

To what should we be lining up in the use of our spiritual gifts?

• the character of God which is always true and always good and therefore an absolute standard (1 Cor. 14:33, 40)
• the purpose of spiritual gifts which is to serve others for the good of the whole, the building up of the Body (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:12; 1 Pet. 4:10)
• the essence/nature of spiritual gifts which is the administration of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Pet. 4:10)

Effects of Dysfunction from Not Performing as Expected:

When we are not performing in accordance with God’s standards, we do not experience the fullness of the His life in and through us.  God must remain true to Himself.

We might sense a measure of success but how much more could have been accomplished if done for the right reasons and in the right ways?  God will sometimes use us despite ourselves so just because He is choosing to work through us doesn’t mean everything is right with us.

Dysfunction Broken:

Truth

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3)

Usually when we do not fully line up with God, we are believing some kind of lies … like it doesn’t matter how well I do something as long as I love the Lord, like somehow it is dependent on me, like there should be something in it for me when I serve, etc.  When we go into serving with faulty premises, it is bound to affect our performance as our attitudes and motivations make a difference.  We must recognize those lies, taking the thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and tell ourselves the truth as found in God’s Word.

Grace

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)

Only by God’s grace will we be able to do anything.  We must constantly pull on His strength, as a branch gets its sustenance from the vine, so we can bear fruit, not just get by in serving.  We must always remember Jesus’ words, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).  His grace will always be sufficient but we must grab hold of it.

Power

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

These Christ-like characteristics must govern even how we use our spiritual gifts.  Any time we do not serve according to His expectations, we are letting self get in the way.  The antidote? — “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Gal. 5:16)

1.  relating badly
2.  not performing as expected
3.  affected by disease or impairment

In this post we will consider the first definition to see how a dysfunctional approach to spiritual gifts ties into interpersonal relationships.

Dysfunction Defined in Regard to Interpersonal Relationships:

Look at the key passages on spiritual gifts you will find reference to love in each one:

We learn much about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14.  Sandwiched between those two chapters is an entire chapter about love.  Chapter 14 begins, “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.”

Ephesians 4:16, dealing with spiritual gifting, notes how the Body “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Immediately following a list of some of the gifts, Romans 12:9 says, “Love must be sincere.”

1 Pet. 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply” and two verse later we read about using our gifts.

A dysfunctional approach to spiritual gifts, then, would be using our gifts devoid of love.

Effects of Dysfunction on Relationships:

The absence of love strips our service of its eternal merit.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor. 13:1-3)

The absence of love removes safeguards in relationships, opening doors to abuses, neglect, apathy, manipulation, betrayal, and other selfish pursuits.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

The absence of love prevents growth in relationships.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:16)

The absence of love brings imbalance to communication, leading to greater potential for conflict.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Eph. 4:15)

Dysfunction Broken:

Truth

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Pet. 1:3)

Notice the connection between His power and knowledge of Him.  What truth do we know about God? — God is love.  “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” (1 Jn. 4:16)

Grace

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.   We love because he first loved us.” (1 Jn. 4:18-19) 

When we understand the grace of God in extending unconditional love to us … the kind He demonstrated “while we were still sinners ” (Rom. 5:8) … we will be more prone to reach out to others in love.

Power

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love.” (Gal. 5:22).

The Holy Spirit will build this quality within us as we submit to His control and leading in situations where we find it hard to love those we serve.