Satan is the most successful when we get success to the point that it is no longer the work of God. — Herman Moldez
Pastor Herman Moldez (above, right), A3/Philippines, shared an excellent devotion during our time together this month. He was sharing as part of a team with new faculty Pastor Paul Lee pictured here and myself.
Herman asked us: “What is the greatest seduction (or temptation) to ministry?”
The group listed out several:
- Power
- Position/Prestige
- Peso (Money)
- Praise (Applause)
Success: The Greatest Seduction to Ministry
Herman went on to say that in the Philippines, the greatest seduction is success. He said that one of the challenges the Filipino Church inherited from the West was this temptation for success. Everything is geared around business models and he fears that a deep devotion to Christ is lost in translation.
He pointed to Philippians 1:3-6 suggesting that our focus must be on the Lord:
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first dayuntil now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
He is the one who began the work and will complete it!
Herman suggested that we:
- Examine our hearts
- Discern what God is saying
- Do this in community
Ultimately, it all boils down to what Herman stated:
“To sustain the work, we need spiritual energy from within: from a healthy devotion to God!”
As we say at A3, it all comes down to our Love Relationship with God!
What’s your greatest seduction to ministry? How do you course correct? Feel free to share your wisdom!
Joe Handley, President
A3
@jwhandley
