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Is there a fine line between the two or does Ministry get swallowed up by the Industry? So much energy has been spent debating these topics, “Industry Vs Ministry,” “Artist Vs Servant of God,” “Bottom-line Vs Unleashing your gifts”? So, what is it? Unfortunately the controversy will always exists as long as the two are together……it’s a paradox. Like men and women, we are different … we will always be different ….we will never in this lifetime, totally understand the opposite sex…..but we continue in marriage and the pursuit of each other! The same is true with Industry and Ministry….. ARE you either one or the other..or can you be both? Is one better than the other? Is male better than female? Who is right and who is wrong? How many in the Industry have asked themselves these questions, “Have I sold out and where is my line in the sand?” Why does my ‘black’ seem to be someone else’s ‘gray’?
That is when we need to stop and take a step backward, because a new perspective is in order. The question is not who is right or who is wrong but, “What is God’s will for my life and the ministry that He has blessed me with?” Every individual is…just that..an individual, one-of-a-kind … there is no one else like you, there never has been and never will be! You are a unique tool, created by God Himself for “a specific purpose”. There are certain souls and pockets of ministry that only your custom made shape can reach! What God does with you, cannot be compared to anyone! And you must follow where God and God alone leads! This might mean saying “no” to the Powers-that-be and taking a stand for your convictions. Even if the world says otherwise and your decision does not reflect a good bottom line! Sometimes following God’s will means saying “yes” to a change and to those God has strategically put above you, ev! en when it is tough! Never take for granted the experience individuals God blesses you with, they are hard to come by! Remember, saying “yes” or “no” is always made easier when you have spent time in prayer and fasting, are communicating and listening to God and are committed to the vision and goal that God has given you!
Ministry is always the tougher road, whether it be in music, overseas or at your local church. The path each believer takes when they step out for the cause of Christ always has more; road blocks, ridicule and self-proclaimed Christian analysts! But, keep your eyes on God and stay true to His will for your life! As long as you follow Christ in purpose and deed, you will always draw criticism. If you don’t, then you are doing something wrong. It is when you are not feeling the pressure to conform or the heat from the spotlight that you should get worried! When you are no longer a threat to Satan, he’ll take the pressure off and let you get comfortable!
Keep this thought in mind, when you stand before God you will not have your; spouse, parent, manager, producer, best friend, pastor, band members, coworkers, teachers, charts, ratings, report cards, trophies, bank accounts, or anything else with you! All of these things though, will be either be the sand in your oyster of life or the water. These granules of sand play a major part in constantly agitating, pushing you to achieve your best and forming you into the perfect “Pearl ..the gem of obedient ministry”. One that shines with elegance, uniquely set in your own crown, to be presented to God as you throw it at His feet in humble adoration! Or these things could merely be the water, a necessary part which only adds a small contribution to the final product! Keep the true allies that God sends and let go of those who aren’t. Continually ask God for discernment in all that you do!
Don’t get caught up in the atmosphere of ministry or your surroundings, lulled to sleep by the security of people or the world’s traditions and numbers. God’s ways are not our ways, those who soar the highest are the ones who continue to keep their eyes on God and don’t get discouraged or distracted by the limitations that the world sets. God is the only true security and sure thing, His way is the only way! When you are called by almighty God, don’t let anything stand in the path of accomplishing His will through you. Don’t block the flow of blessings and the sight of victory by focusing on the giants instead of your calling! This is the reason some successful Christians are left feeling empty and not fulfilled. Somewhere along the way they took a slightly safer path, one that was well traveled and familiar. Look at David and his son Solomon! David took the high road and paid the price. His relations! hip with God was always true and so was his success, passion, sincere repentance and commitment to pleasing God! Solomon loved God but chose paths that were familiar, easier and usually ones of least resistance! He had wisdom, a tremendous gift given to him by God. But unlike his father David, Solomon was satisfied with compromise. Solomon’s passion, dedication and complete surrender to God’s ways dissipated the minute he began taking foreign wives. From just one small seed of disobedience a whole harvest can grow! Obedience is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22b). God’s Word reminds us time and time again that a life spent in the ministry pales in comparison to one committed in complete obedience to Christ! Make sure the target you are looking at is your own and that your arrows are true to the Word. Keep a perspective set through a Godly site and you will hit the mark for Christ……..that is true success!!!
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
II Chron. 16:9
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”
I Samuel 12:24
Shadrach, Meshach and Abedngo replied to the king, “O Nebuchandnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18
For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
II Tim. 1:7
“Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who
listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 8:32-35
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed”
Proverbs 16:4
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