1 Timothy 3:1 – The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

Paul considered pastoral ministry to be a holy privilege and “noble task.” Aspiration to pastoral ministry was a good thing in Paul’s eyes. As Timothy led the church in Ephesus, Paul intended for him to do so in a manner that magnified the goodness of ministry. Others throughout church history have recognized the goodness of ministry as well. Charles Bridges once spoke of the goodness of the work of ministry, saying, “Surely it is the highest dignity, if not the greatest happiness, that human nature is capable of here in this vale below, to have the soul so far enlightened as to become the mirror, or conduit or conveyor of God’s truth to others.” While Paul knew that the ministry could be difficult at times, he could not deny its inherent goodness. It was not a work to be lamented. It was a work to be celebrated. There was no greater privilege on this side of heaven than to serve the risen Christ’s people.

Pastor, you must abandon any vestige of a “poor-me” mentality in ministry. Sure, there will be days when we feel more like Jeremiah, but you must never forget that you are a minister of the New Covenant, which is based upon better promises. Being a minister of the Gospel of Christ is one of the greatest privileges in the world. It is, as Paul says, “a good work.” Charles Spurgeon, the great Prince of Preachers, captured Paul’s sentiments about the goodness of ministry well in his autobiography. Considering his own ministry in relationship to that of Mr. Great-heart from John Bunyan’s work, Pilgrim’s Progress, Spurgeon writes,

I am occupied in my small way, as Mr. Great-heart was employed in Bunyan’s day. I do not compare myself with that champion, but I am in the same line of business. I am engaged in personally-conducted tours to Heaven; and I have with me, at the present time, dear Old Father Honest: I am glad he is still alive and active. And there is Christiana, and there are her children. It is my business, as best I can, to kill dragons, and cut off giants’ heads, and lead on the timid and trembling. I am often afraid of losing some of the weaklings. I have the heart-ache for them; but, by God’s grace, and your kind and generous help in looking after one another, I hope we shall all travel safely to the river’s edge. Oh, how many have I had to part with there! I have stood on the brink, and I have heard them singing in the midst of the stream, and I have almost seen the shining ones lead them up the hill, and through the gates, into the Celestial City. (from Spurgeon’s Autobiography, II, 131)

Pastor, even when it is hard, acknowledge the nobility of the task God has given you. Bless Him for the privilege and celebrate your work as a servant of Christ.

CBH