Something we viewed as a good practice, even of God, turns into a major conflict. We’re left scratching our heads on how it got that way. Know that not everyone will like getting a job description. Nor will everyone adhere to what’s been specified. That provides a frustration and dilemma for how leaders should proceed.
Guarding Our Reaction to People Who Oppose Ministry Job Descriptions
We can’t control people’s reactions but with God’s help we can “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19). As leaders, we must guard our reactions when people disagree and/or resist using ministry job descriptions. Satan will piggyback on reactions.
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Eph. 4:26-27)
We must remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Let’s not “not destroy the work of God for the sake of … ‘job descriptions’” (Rom. 14:20). The enemy will use whatever means he can to destroy the work of God.
Proceeding in Opposition with Christlikeness
Our reactions to people who oppose what we’re trying to do matter. If we’re not going to “give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:27), then we must continue on with Ephesians 4:31-21. — “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Here are some ways of proceeding in Christ-like ways:
- Foster an environment where unity matters so people better grasp how coordination of our efforts matter.
- Pray about it together, sincerely seeking how God wants you to proceed.
- Listen to people’s concerns and respond calmly and respectfully.
- Maintain a teachable spirit, willing to learn from others and adapt where it seems God desires for the sake of His kingdom.
- Don’t hold it against people if they still don’t agree, or if they reacted in an ungodly manner.
- Remember that we are all personally and corporately accountable to God (Rom. 14:12).
For Resources on These Topics:
All Posts about Job Descriptions:
- Job Descriptions in the Church?
- Church Job Descriptions Reflect Purpose?
- Church Job Descriptions Reflect Body Life?
- Church Job Descriptions Reflect the Great Commission?
- Job Descriptions Reflect God’s Heart for the Church?
- Job Descriptions Reflect a Need for God’s Power?
- Be an Example in Using Job Descriptions
- Spiritual Gifts Listed on Job Descriptions?
- Prayer Critical in Use of Job Descriptions?
- Job Descriptions Robbing the Cross of Its Power?
- How Grace Ties into Job Descriptions
- Job Descriptions as Tools of the Holy Spirit?
- Keep the Focus on His Name
- Job Descriptions with Servanthood as a Goal
- Biblical Support for Job Descriptions?
- Job Description Leave Room for His Incomparably Great Power?
- Opposition to Ministry Job Descriptions?
- Be a Faithful Steward Using Job Descriptions