Preparation is Ministry

We've all heard this - that preparation is ministry. From old pastors or profs that encouraged us on to seminary work to letters sent by various admission offices around the country, and it is indeed true. I even like to describe my time in Wilmore as an "incubation" period.
Yet, there is work to be done.
Last night I was talking with a brother on campus about what I have been doing "ministry wise" while here. He really called me out on my church situation, as only a brother in the Lord can do. See, I go to a church where I have no peers. I am literally the only member between the ages of 14 and 33. I do a variety of little jobs, most of which are unfulfilling. We talked about community and all that it entails. He even went as far to call what I am doing a "sunday project" rather than being involved.
Yet, there is work to be done.
Every believer needs fellowship - it is simply the way in which we grow. Fellowship with the Lord and fellowship with other believers.
I'm glad that this brother called me out on this - it was quite a revelation that here I am on a seminary campus and "involved" at a church and yet - I'm not being intentional about this very pivotal aspect of my walk.

So this is what I thought when I got up: "Preparation is ministry, but are you preparing?"

Richard Sibbes

"A bruised reed shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory" (Matt. 12:20, Geneva Bible 1599)

The above text is the starting point of Sibbes' work "The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax" - you should all check it out. Allow me just one small favor, don't give up until you hit chapter 10. The first nine chapters are typical puritan acknowledgment of how well - crappy we are in comparison to God. He delves into the bar set by the law and how we miss it time and again. Chapter ten begins his real message, that of assurance. And for those of you who are theology buffs you will likely enjoy chapters 18 and following as they take a unique turn for someone from the "puritan camp."

I should probably be pouring more attention on my classes this summer but for whatever reason I have become entranced with Mr. Sibbes. Okay, okay - I know this isn't a "real post" but it is what is going on in my head this week.

Build Your Rudder

Okay, let me first confess that I know absolutely nothing about boats - other than they are suppose to float. I am under the impression that the rudder is the small piece on the back and bottom of the boat that basicly steers it. My entire post is based on this assumption so - if it's wrong just yeah - go with it, kay?

Most of you out there reading this are believers and even more than that, are called to the ministry. I can't even describe how wierd it was for me as that realization hit me - but I digress. Anyway, we know certain things about God through a variety of avenues. Through his Special and General Revelation. We know these things about God because He has graced us with that knowledge (not to mention the ability to absorb it)

From this knowledge of God, we are certain that God is consistant. He has always been and always will be. We also know a few things about ourselves. We are finite, we are fallen, we are sinful and we are lame. We know that we cannot always trust our emotions and we (sadly) cannot always trust other people. Yet, the joy of Christ is that we can (and should) trust in Him. All the time, He is, was and always will be.

With this under our belt it still amazes me the distaste for theology. Granted, some of us tend to use theology as a wall, a way to separate ourselves from others. We can do this either by using it as an excuse to be away from others (to study,...) or to separate ourselves by a funky class system. Can you imagine what Jesus thinks when we put another believer down for weak theology - yeah, it's probably not the reaction we should be going for. But it doesn't have to be that way - theology is a gift and used correctly can make all the difference in the world (not to mention the next)

What I want to say is - theology is the rudder of my life.

When I feel bad, when I "fall" into sin, when I think funky stuff - God is still consistant. When I am confused or alone or what have you - God is consistant. When your emotions leave you depleted and your relationships leave you feeling used - God is consistant.

Like a rudder to a boat - theology is what steers you through it all. Building a correct theology, understanding God's word and how it fits together... this is what it is all about.

God is doing a lot of things in my heart lately. Changing my perspective and showing me all sorts of insights. I can only receive these things because my rudder brought me to this place. And I will only keep going if my steering stays on track.

Is theology all there is? No, but it is a rudder – a pivotal tool given by God so that we may accomplish what is set before us.

~ames