In the atmosphere of hurry in which we live day by day, we are in danger of losing our souls and the secret known by Paul -- "to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). The routine of the years may bring us sometime to the verge of perfunctory automatism, and that first call of the Spirit may seem faint and far away.

A preacher of the gospel is a transmitter of truth and thereby open to the peril of familiarity in holy things. . . . We traffic in holy things, eternal realities; it is ours to make them communicable to people. We are not paid to preach; we are given an allowance to be free to preach. We are not in the employ of the church, but the servants of God and 'your servants for Christ's sake.'

The best help we have in weathering the tempting blast of cold professionalism is an inner life which has its roots in the obedience of faith to our Lord and Savior. Private communion and personal commitment form a solid basis for devoted ministry. If a man lacks these experiences to sustain him under the trial of faith, he needs to examine his heart about his motives in giving himself to the high calling of God in Christ. How tragic to be a clergyman without Christ, a preacher without power! The shame and sorrow of a lifeless ministry tell of the primary neglect of a personal, heart-experience of Jesus Christ.

Adapted from A Minister's Obstacles, "The Specter of Professionalism" (R. Turnbull, 1946)

Making It Personal:

Am I in Christ's service because it is my all-consuming passion?

Do I think of myself as a 'professional' or as a servant?

Is there a sense of "automatism" in my ministry?

Devotional Reflections:

Acts 26:16
2 Timothy 1:6-12