Celebrate that you are not a scurvy little spider

A little quote started swirling around in my mind and I figure I need to redeem it for the use of striving to encourage God’s men. In my favorite movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” there is a scene where Mr. Potter offers George Bailey a significant job. For a moment Bailey is tempted to take the lucrative offer. Then it dawns on him he will have to forsake friends he has helped over the years. As he comes to himself he says to Potter, “In the whole vast configuration of things, I'd say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider!” 

If you minister long enough there will be more than enough hurt in your heart. More than enough times of disappointment. More than enough days of discouragement. More than enough reasons to throw in the towel. And, if you allow it, I’ve seen it, you can become bitter, angry, hostile, so frustrated the message of the cross moves to the shadow of a personal position, deep hurt, pet hobby, or just out of focus in your ministry and teaching. Yes, you too could become nothing but a scurvy little spider. It can happen rapidly or slowly. May I challenge you this week to make room to celebrate the happiness in your heart, to renew your lease on joy, to recreate the passion for others that drove you into ministry, to refresh your spirit in some good way and revive your love for God’s People. Find your happy place in Jesus and dwell there for a few decades. This work can make you either bitter or better. Find the good even in the difficult. Shift to a better focus. You will be glad you did, your heart will be happy you did and your ministry will be more effective. Because you are NOT a scurvy little spider but a mighty man of God!

Now, I want you to know, I understand this is not simple and that some of you are going through a difficult stretch. We are praying for you. And, will you, even if the days are hard for you right now, join us in praying for your fellow ministers? Let’s strive to celebrate the good.