The end of one year and the beginning of another is a great time to evaluate whether or not we are submitting everything to God. I recently read a great article by Dr. Chuck Lawless on ThomRainer.com, called 8 Reasons Why Leaders Should Give God a Blank Check. Read that article first, then return here and let’s discuss these implications for us as women’s ministry leaders.
Here are Dr. Lawless’ eight reasons we, as leaders, should give God a “blank check,” along with my commentary on each:
1. It forces me to recognize the idolatry of my comfort.
Do you ever get so comfortable in your own way of leading ministry that you are reluctant to allow the Holy Spirit to change, tweak, remove aspects, or add new avenues of ministry to what is already in place? Or are you so complacent where you are currently serving that you cannot even see God leading you down a new ministry path?
2. It requires me to evaluate how deeply my faith affects my daily living.
Are you continually submitting every moment to Him? Or are you planning now how to attack and cross off everything you placed on your to-do list? Do you leave Him room to add or delete tasks?
3. It reminds me that the Christian life really is about faith.
Do you live your life knowing that a walk of faith is the only way to walk? My church recently experienced the loss of our pastor to cancer. Although we are asking why at times, as a church our desire is to trust God’s sovereignty and not our perspectives about our journey.
4. It reinforces the truth that God’s plan might be costly for me.
We don’t really understand persecution for our faith as those who live outside the United States do. Would you be willing to stand up for Christ no matter what?
5. It calls me to ask if I truly believe God is all-wise.
Often I think I know what is best. I think I know what to do. I work toward it in my own power instead of asking God’s perspective and leadership. Do you ever struggle with that as well?
6. It prompts me to consider my burden over the lostness of the world and the reality of hell.
I must admit my urgency is not what I believe it should be. Do you ever really weep over those who die without Christ? This was Christ’s priority and must be ours as well.
7. It fractures any belief that I am Christ-like.
Do you, like me, ever think you are doing pretty good? I mean, we don’t kill or steal, for goodness sake. But Scripture tells us our very best is filthy rags next to His holiness. Do you continually desire to look more like Christ?
8. It drives me to deep self-reflection.
If I’m honest, I don’t naturally give God a blank check for my life and ministry as a whole. How about you? Ever plan something and then ask God to bless it?
May we daily offer a signed “blank check” for every moment of our days. May we model and lead other women to do the same! He is sovereign and He does know what is best. What will it take for us to really act out what we say we believe?
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.
