Idolizing Ministry Results
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. ” —Luke 10:18-20 These are the words of Jesus after the 72 returned and reported about the mission on which Jesus had sent them. They were rejoicing in their ministry success. They were celebrating the results of their efforts. It seems to me that we spend a lot of time in the modern church rejoicing over the outcomes of our ministry, especially when we are successful like the 72 disciples were. Do we turn ministry results into an idol? Consider the history of Christian "movements" over the last century: Missionary movement—focusing on reaching the nations and rejoicing in our efforts when we do. Charismatic movement—focusing on the experience of God's presence and rejoicin...