There are a lot of features to consider when shopping for a car.  Probably at the top of most lists is the cost of the vehicle followed by its reliability, gas mileage, comfort, styling, and other unique features. The one thing you will not find at the top of the list is the rear view mirror.

Of all the things that cars can do, the one thing they are not intended to do is to remain stationary while focusing on what’s in the rear view mirror. You get into a car to move and while some do it better than others, they all are designed on moving you forward, not backwards. Ringing any bells?

That sounds just like true ministry. Ministry should be based on moving people forward and not backwards nor just maintaining the status quo. Everything we do, all the activities connected to our ministry and all of our plans for our ministry should be forward looking.

To be forward looking means that we have and use realistic strategies that provide a way forward to those we minister to. Whatever line of ministry we operate in, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, all should be based on forward progression. To move people forward will take careful and thoughtful planning on our parts. It doesn’t happen by accident.

Just as the features we look for in a car, we should offer the same to those we minister to. What is the level of our reliability? Are we dependable under difficult situations or are we hit or miss? How about our mileage? Are we able to go the distance or do we run out of gas too quick before we see our mission through?

Styling on cars changes from year to year demonstrating in a visual way the need to be contemporary and relevant in all that we do. Yesterday’s way of doing things may not be the best way of doing things today. To be relevant means that we take a hard look at the current issues and mindsets of those we serve and shape our efforts into a language that is easily understood.

Forward thinking, forward acting and forward ministering should be at the core of who we are. The apostle Paul speaking about his own spiritual growth speaks for all of us today: 

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. “  Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV

We want the same thrust for our ministry: Helping to move others beyond the challenges, pain and disappointments of the past and moving them forward to all that is possible today and tomorrow. It’s time to quit staring in the rear view mirror, step on the gas and drive!

Sometimes it makes you want to scream!  I know you’ve been there.  You’re in a meeting or presentation and it seems like time has decided to stand still.  Your personal mental challenge is to be creative in staying alert and giving the impression of interest in the uninteresting.(I’ve tried pinching myself)

The enemy called boredom does not discriminate.  It attacks men and women.  It attacks worthy causes and noble goals.  It attacks sincere plans and well minded intentions.  It attacks the novice as well as the veteran.  It’s most valued trusty is complacency and mental laziness.  It thrives on low expectations.

Does it have to be this way?  Is there anything that can be done to make the boring interesting?  Of course, the answer is yes.  But to get from boring to interesting will take intentional efforts.  Relying on the importance of the message being conveyed without consideration of how it is being conveyed is a poor strategy for success.

B-O-R-I-N-G

Being Oblivious to Relevant Information Needed for Growth

Here are three ways to fight the enemy called boredom:

1) Be Relevant.  If you’re not meeting the current needs of those you minister to, whose needs are you meeting?  You must know your audience and what brings value to them.  The greater the relevant value you bring to your ministry the more likely you will be in defeating boredom.  There is no “one size fits all” in ministry.

2) Be Enthusiastic.  If you’re not excited can you really expect others to find excitement in what you offer?  You must project energy by being energetic and lively.  Push yourself to be a better self.  Start with a smile and you’re on your way.

3) Be Authentic.  Being authentic means that you are who you say you are and that you practice what you preach.  No one likes a phony, do they?  Your authenticity (or lack of) will shine through and give evidence of your sincerity.

Our example for fighting the enemy called boredom is a high one.  When the soldiers who were sent to arrest Jesus explained to their leaders why that had not arrested him, all they could give as an explanation was “No one ever spoke the way this man does” John 17:46 NIV.  That’s the direction we should all be headed in.

Please continue to do what you do but do it with relevance, enthusiasm and authenticity.  Let’s vow to fight this enemy called boring.