Christian Living

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Monday June 27, 2011

Almost 49 years ago I heard an outstanding preacher state, “The age of the '"Jack of all trades in the ministry is approaching its needed end.'" He went on to build a church with 50,000 members in the D.C. area. To say he knew how to get people to commit and to follow through on the commitment with their best is understatement.

To say he was right on target does not do his statement and ministry philosophy justice. This particular man was and is a kind man, non-assuming and always willing to lend his expertise to any pastor attempting to reach people. His wife is a gifted Bible Teacher.

I thought of Herb the other day when a fellow pastor in the area where I have labored for 21 years asked me, "Larry, what would you say your biggest failure has been in your current ministry?"

I know this seems like a hard question, but in reality the answer is simple. I have failed to enlist the aid of enough capable people in areas that demand expertise and commitment. The result is that I have taken it upon myself to "wear too many hats."

The old saw, "Jack of all trades and master of none" fits me to a tee.

Sadly, I am a master at but a few things, but no one is master of all and thus the Lord has structured achievement along tiers of order that demand more than a superman. They demand others who are willing, even anxious, capable and desiring to become more so, and who treat the "thing" they are doing for the Lord as a glory rather than an add-on.

Anointed leadership attracts such people. Yes, I am aware of just where this statement leaves me.

Needless to say in recent days a lot of rearranging things has and is taking place. I, as the leader must do what I do well and if in the extreme other things do not get done, they just do not get done.

World famous salesman and encourager, Nido Qubein gives clear insight into the dilemma with this statement:

"Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all of your energies on a limited set of targets."

A surface or in depth study of the spiritual gifts will point out that a physical body needs more than a few more feet or hands, but other operating parts. Any organism or organization must face this truth of the necessity of the body operating in harmony, as a symphony and when this takes place, life really is a symphony.

1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE