A Consistent Heart (Part Two)

This is the first of several weeks we will consider a heart for ministry by examining it through the lens of Paul’s message in Acts 20. We begin this week by seeing the need for a consistent heart, and yesterday began examining Acts 20:17-19 by seeing (v.18) that it begins with a consistent lifestyle. Today we add a second piece—the priority of being consistent in attitude.

Consistent in Attitude

“With humility of mind” (v.19a)

That is to be the hallmark of our consistent attitude. What is it? Again, let’s allow Paul to speak for himself…

• “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,” (2 Cor 3:5)
• “For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.” (2 Cor 7:5)

Humility should be visible in our lives because of…

• Past reminders- when we were lost in sin, needy, alone, doomed;
• Present reminders- that all good that happens is because of His grace and goodness!

Humility reminds us that we don’t deserve to be blessed! Humility of mind is…

• Negative- the refusal to claim anything for self; a constant sense of personal inadequacy in the service of Christ;
• Positive- a devoted submission and contented obedience to the Savior.

The heart of ministry is marked by this because the true servant knows where he stands…

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

The more we realize this and are willing to be content with it, the more God delights in working through us. The awesome privilege of serving Christ should not swell us with pride, but should drive us to our knees and humbly empty us of self-interest. When he was called to preach, John Knox reacted this way…

“He burst forth into most abundant tears and withdrew himself into his chamber. His countenance and behavior from that day, when he was compelled to present himself in the public place of preaching, did sufficiently declare the grief and trouble of his heart.”

Humility of mind is characterized by an overwhelming sense of undeservedness and inadequacy. It is the antithesis of pride—and pride destroys!

The fact is that many preach the Gospel better, but none preach a better gospel. That kind of a sense of personal inadequacy produces utter dependence upon the Lord—and that consistent attitude of humility is key to a heart for ministry.

Tomorrow we will end this first week of Acts 20 by seeing the need to be consistent in service.