God's Grace in Us

Philippians 1:6

God's grace means whatever God does for and in and through us that we would never deserve. Our Bible passage talks about God's good work in us that He began and will bring to completion on the day of Jesus Christ. 

First, testify what God does IN you, and not what He does THROUGH you (that alone will make you slave). 
Follow the Ark (the presence of God), just as the Israelites did to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Pastor Eric encouraged young leaders that "God wants you to seek His face every day to allow God to work in you, and not to seek the face of your senior leader. For ministry is not the point, but Jesus is." 

Second, by allowing God to work in you and by seeking His face/presence every day, you can finish well. Some have estimated that about 70 Christian leaders do not finish well. With God working in us, we can finish well for sure.

Beware of the ministry idolatry. Pastor Eric also warns, "It is not right to burn out for Jesus. God doesn't call you to lose your wife and children for the sake of ministry." Take care of yourself first. "You cannot love other people more than you love yourself."  We need to spend time with God every busy day.  "Ministry is not a place to compete; only those who are insecure do. You have a problem if you want something more than Jesus when you get up in the morning.... If your heart pulled astray by ministry idolatry, then you need to repent to God (see John 21:16ff)." 

"Just try to be a humble, faithful and teachable servant, and make your name known in heaven." Don't try to earn the credit or make your own name. Follow the way of our Lord Jesus: to have a hight impact with a low profile, rather than way of the world that tells you to have a high profile with a low impact.