2 Tim 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one (tested and) approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed…I’ll probably get flack for posting this, but after 8 years of ministry, primarily to young adults, combined with these past four in seminary, has given me plenty of opportunity to observe a large number of people. The sad truth is that most people do not want to ‘work.’ Sure, they want a position, a paycheck, or an opportunity, but they don’t want to be tested, criticized, or held accountable; which is what ‘work’ is.
I leave today for yet another multi-week military chaplaincy training mandate. Like so many others, I am very eager for the opportunity and adventure. It is fun and exciting to do something new, work in a unique environment and wear camouflage. However, this is only a very small reason for my enthusiasm. The real source of my eagerness is the opportunity to learn, fail, and learn some more after failing. I know I am a good and qualified minister, and I know my level of physical readiness is above those much younger than me; but I also know that I am not perfect, and that true effectiveness depends on near perfection. I want to be yelled at, attempt new and outrageous tasks, and do it all under intense pressure now, so that I will be that much better tomorrow. Perfection does not come instantly and it certainly does not come easily. I am greatly distressed by the number of people who bristle at ‘red tape,’ extensive pre-requisites, or criticism. Only after the blade is thoroughly grinded with the stone does it become an effective instrument of war.
