Can You Go The Distance?

Our jobs can be hectic. So many people depend on us. Everybody thinks we know EVERYTHING... and in most cases, we HAVE TO know everything.

Hebrews 10:35 tells us not to get weary in well doing because in due season we will reap if we don't faint.

I have to be honest... there have been times when I have wanted to faint... to walk out and say forget it. I was tired of my phone ringing. I love people, but I'm not really a "people" person by nature... I am ok with being a "loner" so to speak. And there are times when I feel like I am on "people overload."

It's during these times that having the ability to focus on our assignments or calling in ministry is key.

It is during these times that we have to be able to go the distance.

Be Content In Your Assignment
This is important if you are going to be successful in your career calling. Whether you feel like God "called" you to ministry or not, it is important that you are settled on the fact that you are not where you are by mistake. When you settle this, you will not be distracted by things that don't matter. Things that can contaminate your commitment and your focus.

Don't Get Trapped By Offense
This is a big one. Sometimes the job we have can be a thankless one. It seems as if we work and work and nobody says thank you or appreciates what we do. And they always want more! The Bible encourages us to work as unto God and not man. This is so important. It's only natural to want appreciation from your Pastor and those you work hard for. And you should be appreciated, however if no one ever says thank you, you must remember that God sees your work and He is faithful to reward you.

The "opportunities" to be offended are numerous... don't take the bait. It will only cause you to become unhappy in your job... mole hills will become mountains. Your heart will become contaminated and you will become less and less effective in your calling.

Don't Become Too Common
When we build relationships with people and become comfortable with them, we begin to see one another's flaws. It is only natural to become close to our Pastors as we work for them and with them so closely. In so doing, we tend to see their flaws. It's hard not to notice if they have a tendency for disorganization or procrastination or maybe not handling some situations as we think they should. It's hard not to form our own opinions and "secret" assessments. Yet and still, in the midst of it all, there is a line that can't be crossed. Pastor is always Pastor. His/her word is the final word. Having this understanding will keep your heart from "turning" when things don't go your way.

Remember Your Purpose
Remember that your purpose for being where you are is to assist your Pastor in getting the Gospel to the world. Bottom line, your job is to make his/her job easier. At the end of the day, this is what matters. As long as you are doing this, you are fulfilling your purpose as your Pastor's assistant. And that's what's important.

This is what going the distance is all about. In ministry, there are not many people who are truly willing to do what it takes to go the distance. Remember, your labor is not in vain. God is faithful. He sees your heart and your sacrifice of service (the times when you barely have time to take care of your business for taking care of ministry business). He won't ever let it go unrewarded.

©2008 Church Secretary Essentials / Pensational Print Media Group

NOTE: You're welcome to use or "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete, unaltered and includes this blurb with it: Tamala M. Huntley, "The Church Secretary Coach," is the author of the revolutionary manual, "Basic Training 101: Effectively Managing Multiple Projects... A Super Easy Guide to Getting More Done, Reducing Office Clutter and Producing More With Less Stress." To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.ChurchSecretaryEssentials.com