Something that I have often seen leaders struggle with is the issue of affirmation.
In ministry, affirmation is something that should, constantly, be poured out by leaders and pastors. I see the title "Encourager" as a big part of my job description as a person in ministry. It is my job to catch glimpses of Jesus in those that I serve, then I seek to make that glimpse of Christ become the defining characteristic of that persons identity.
This can be a very exciting challenge.
Now...here's where the trouble comes in.
Leaders constantly pour encouragement out of themselves, but they are not often poured back into.
They seek to grow the identity of Christ in another person...but they do not always have someone that is doing the same for them.
This can be difficult, and it can often lead to a type of burn out where a leader attempts to draw affirmation and identity from those that he or she is trying to serve. A leader cannot lead for the purpose of gaining anything.
In Matthew 3, Jesus's identity as a Son of God is confirmed by God himself. God's actual words on Christ's identity are what truly defines Christ's public ministry.
Yes, people (individuals) such as John the Baptist or Peter knew who Jesus was and they publicly declared it, but their words could never have final say.
Both of them questioned or denied Jesus at one point or another.
God never re-stated his view of Jesus. He never doubted him, or denied him.
His word had to be the defining factor of Christ's ministry.
As leaders in this word today, few of us have recieved a perfect moment where the heavens litterally opened up and God spoke for everyone to hear, but the lesson remains the same.
If you are in ministry, people's view of you cannot define you or your role in ministry.
There minds will inevitably change.
God has to be the defining factor of your life, he has to be the foundation of your ministry.
People change their minds on a whim, God knows who you are.
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