“TIMEX; IT TAKES A LICKING AND KEEPS ON TICKING”
Two things can be expected in the ministry; you will “take a licking,” and you must “keep on ticking.” Since we have no way of knowing on which front the enemy will attack, we must put on the armor of God and be vigilant. We have little control over when or where Satan will attack. However, we do have a responsibility to “keep on ticking.”
I have found that the number one cause of “burnout” in the ministry is discouragement. How can we deal with this deadly enemy of our souls? Let me say up front that we all get discouraged at times. What is the answer?
Internal motivation is not an acceptable source of motivation. It is rooted in self and pride. This dynamic does not honor God nor does it have His interest at heart.
External motivation is temporal and short lived. Therefore, the pastor who is motivated by it will live on an emotional rollercoaster and turn into a cheerleader in order to keep the hype going for his own motivation.
Eternal motivation is the only acceptable motivation for the Pastor. This motivation keeps him going because it sees outside self and beyond the temporal. We must keep in mind that the value of our service will be determined by the Lord and will be rewarded by Him. If our purpose is to glorify Him and fulfill the purpose for which we were created, we will be motivated with eternity’s values in view. We can then, “take a licking and keep on ticking.”
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.