Our People

Our People

We’ve spent the last couple of days studying, praying, and in fellowship with a large group of preachers. These men came together from different parts of the country to learn and discuss how we can be better in our ministry. Time and again in these seminars we learn a number of important lessons about preachers. We all have struggles and concerns in our lives. We all want to do our best for the Lord and His people. We all love the Kingdom and we love preaching. We all fail from time to time.

These gatherings bring to mind a statement that our Mom often made when referring to people she cared about or people she worked with, or people she worshipped with on a regular basis. She would say something about someone and then quickly add, “These are my people.”

Brothers, when we see a fellow preacher struggling, wondering about the effectiveness of his work, wearing himself out in Kingdom work, and wanting to do his best, we should do everything within our power to encourage him. It might help us to call him on the phone and let him talk. We might offer to sit down for a visit. We might offer to pray with him. After all, these are our people.

In Ephesians 3, our brother Paul reminded us that as preachers and ministers we have become recipients of the grace of God for the benefit of others. Notice how thoughtful he is as he tells us that his work was God’s grace, “given to me, for you.” (Eph. 3:2). I love those words, “for you!!” The opportunities that God provides for us, the doors He opens for us, they are evidences of His grace, but they are “for you.”

When we think of our work in this way, it will keep us motivated, it will keep us excited, and it will keep us focused. It will help us have a stronger desire to keep on going, even when life becomes difficult. As you study, visit, pray, teach, and preach this week, remember these words, “FOR YOU!”