We recognize that three elements form the basis of our ministryβ¦our unique giftedness, the needs and opportunities for impactful ministry in our current environment, and Kingdom theology.
Is this a curiosity or a driving force? Is this a subject of intellectual interest to be debated in seminary classrooms, or is it a daily determining factor in the decisions and choices that we make?
Kingdom Theology has to do with why we do the things we do. Whether we consider this something that is simply interesting or something that is crucial all depends on how we view the importance of our motives and intentions. Thus, I would like to begin by thinking with you about matters of motivation, and then think more about how Kingdom Theology shapes those motives. All of us hope that much of the time we will do the right thing. We also hope that much of the time others will do the right thing.
Otherwise we would be living in the midst of uncertainty and chaos. The important thing βultimately β is that someone does the right thing, regardless of the motivation behind he act. While it would be nice if we all had pure motives, what we wind up doing is more important than why we do it. I certainly understand such thinking. However, as a pastor, I have spent my life work trying to help people understand that why they do things is not as important as what they do.
Instead, it is ultimately far more important than what they do. After all if we waited until our motives were pure, we would never get anything done! In exchange for short-term outcomes, we may sacrifice long-term transformation.
