Think about the importance of discernment for people in ministry. It enables us to make beneficial choices, say the right things, and do not only what is good but what is best. While we as leaders can guide people into being more discerning, we can only take them so far. God’s Word, however, is something they can hide in their hearts (Ps. 119:11) and pull on whenever, wherever, and in whatever situation they find themselves. It will be a lamp to their feet (Ps. 119:105). However, unless regularly feasting on God’s Word, don’t expect church staff to consistently serve with the discernment they need.
How Regularly Feasting on God’s Word is Vital to Discernment
To better understand the importance of regularly feasting on the Word of God, let’s highlight two phrases in Hebrews 5:14.
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Training implies a regular, sometimes intense, and even sacrificial effort. We can’t take a haphazard or casual approach to God’s Word and expect to experience its benefits. This post suggests we encourage staff to feast on the Word because we need to ingest its riches, something we delight in, not done out of duty (Ps. 19:7-11). — Do we find this to be true in our own lives? Our example can encourage others to want the same for their lives.
We train ourselves by constant use of Scripture. This suggests more than mere reading and studying. We must put it into practice to experience its benefits. Knowing what the Word says is only the starting point. The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Colossians shows us the purpose in getting beyond simply knowing what Scripture teaches. He said, “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1:9-10) — Do we pray similarly for both volunteer and paid staff in the Church? Our prayers make a difference.
What Happens When We Don’t Consistently Feast of the Word
Follow the flow in Hebrews 5:12-14:
If we don’t regularly spend time reading, studying, and applying Scripture, we aren’t going to get beyond the “milk” or “elementary truths of God’s Word (Heb. 5:12).
If we don’t get beyond the basics, we aren’t going to become adequately “acquainted with the teaching about righteousness” (Heb. 5:13).
If we don’t have a good grasp on God’s righteousness, we aren’t going to mature and be discerning as He is the standard against which we determine what is good and evil (Heb. 5:14).
So many problems could be avoided in ministry had we been more discerning. Church leaders, let’s encourage staff to regularly feast on God’s Word through our example and prayers. Discernment is needed.
For More on These Topics, Go To:
All Posts about Staffing:
- Church Staff Expectations
- Communicating Expectations to Church Staff
- Church Staff: Expect Alignment with Church Purpose
- Church Staff: Expect Adherence to Body Life Principles
- Church Staff: Expect Pursuit of God’s Mission
- Church Staff: Expect Christ-like Character & Integrity
- Church Staff: Expect Reliance on God’s Power
- Church Staff: Expect a Partnership Mentality
- Encourage Church Staff to Grow in Grace
- Encourage Church Staff to Walk by the Spirit
- Encourage Church Staff to Use Their Spiritual Gifts
- Spiritual Gifts Best Suited for Staffing Ministry
- Encourage Church Staff to Pray Without Ceasing
- Encourage Church Staff to Regularly Feast on God’s Word
- Lead Staff by Shepherding
- Encourage Church Staff to Be Strong in the Lord
- Encourage Staff to Do Everything in His Name