THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CALLED 4

There was a day my dad called me and mentioned that I had to visit a dear relative who was bereaved in Ibadan. He had gone like twice in a short while. He insisted I needed to go. I wanted to go but I had to tell him that I could not go at that moment.

He asked why I could not. I told him that “My boss had not released me”. He was shocked. He said, “Son, you must be joking”. I knew I was not. Then I asked, “Dad, have you insisted that my brother in Ibadan who is close to the location should go also?” He said, “Your brother is very busy”. I smiled.

I asked one more question, “Sir if I was working in a bank and I said my boss did not release me, would you still force me?” That was the question that saved the day.

Sincerely, I desired to visit but I knew I had some work to do to portray that ministry was indeed work. I knew the price of showing a wrong image was very costly.

If you are called, define the concept of work very early.  You cannot be frivolous. A lot of people think ‘pastors’ or those who work in ministry have a lot of free time since all we have to do is teach midweek and Sunday services.  All other days are free.

Some know that a called person has a lot to do but they still think if you “work for yourself”, you can decide to do anything at any time.  Do you know what I have learnt? “Working for yourself” requires more time, more focus, more discipline and more effort than any other time.

Think about Jesus’ typical day:

It started in the Synagogue.

Mark 1:21 NKJV

[21] Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.

He taught at the Synagogue.  Afterwards, he went to Peter’s house maybe with the intent to rest a bit. He ministered to Peter’s mother-in-law.

In the evening after sunset, crowds gathered, and he ministered to the sick also.

Mark 1:32 NKJV

[32] At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.

When did that session finish? We are not sure. However, first thing in the morning, long before dawn, Jesus was up again.

Mark 1:35 NKJV

[35] Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

If you are called and you are still sleeping at 10 am, there is a problem. You watch movies all day and still rarely stay awake at night, you portray the ministry in a terrible light. You must have the discipline of work.

You must put yourself under the demand of “I Must”.

John 9:4 NKJV

[4] I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

That work is serious business. Take it like that.

Luke 2:49 NKJV

[49] And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Like Christ, they may not understand but you must do the work.

Luke 2:50 NKJV

[50] But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Face the Work.

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa