Success in Ministry

It is a constant temptation for most of us to measure success by the results or fruits of our labor. Did the things we are working on go well? Did they achieve the desired results?

I think in ministry this is even a greater temptation. Did I join Campus Crusade for Christ to see no results? Is it my vision for my ministry to fail? No, I joined because God called me, but ultimately because I felt like the Lord could "use" my efforts to make a difference for the kingdom.

Oswald Chambers reminded me this morning that it is not about "success" or "results", but about knowing Him!! In Luke 10:19-20, he tells the disciples to not rejoice in the results of their ministry, but in the fact that their names are written in the book of life.

Bottom Line: Everything is about knowing Him more. Results will be positive and negative at points along the way, but ultimately He is using these things to draw you to Him. My favorite line of Chamber's devotional this morning is, "If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived." Wow!! I guess if you just look at Christ's earthly ministry and the direct fruit then their have been other's who have had much greater success.


This is a good reminder as I head into another year of ministry. I'm excited about the year because it looks like there could be some fruit. I should be excited because I will have the chance to get to know Him better.

Excerpt from: Chambers, O. (1993, c1935). My utmost for his highest : Selections for the year (August 30). Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers.